The Nigerian Institution of Builders in Facility Management, Lagos State chapter, has called for greater recognition of the role of registered builders in the construction process and for addressing the housing and urbanisation challenges facing the country.
Speaking with journalists on the theme, “The Imperative of the Registered Builder in the Nigerian Housing Ecosystem: A Statutory and Technical Justification of Roles in Administration, Management, and Maintenance in Lagos,” the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter, Mr Akingbade Adekola, explained that the justification for registered builders in housing administration, management, and maintenance spans legal, technical, economic, and moral dimensions.
Adekola stated that, statutorily, the builder is the only professional recognised by Nigerian law to manage the physical production of buildings, a role backed by the Builders’ Registration Act and the National Building Code. He added that, technically, builders’ expertise in building production management and building pathology ensures that projects are executed with precision and maintained for longevity.
“Economically, their application of lifecycle costing and efficient resource management protects clients’ investments and contributes to national growth. Morally, their adherence to professional ethics and rigorous supervision serves as the primary defence against building collapse.
“As Nigeria continues to grapple with a massive housing deficit and rapid urbanisation, the role of the registered builder will only become more critical. By integrating builders into every phase of the housing lifecycle from policy and procurement to production and maintenance, the nation can ensure a built environment that is safe, sustainable, and capable of supporting the welfare and prosperity of its citizens for generations,” he said.
He stressed that the professional builder is not merely a participant in the construction industry but a guardian of built assets, ensuring that every structure reflects durability and progress.
Adekola noted that the built environment has evolved from traditional, craft-based construction to a complex, technology-driven industry requiring specialised oversight. Central to this transition is the registered builder, whose competencies are shaped by formal academic training and regulated by statutory provisions.
He argued that the involvement of builders, particularly those recognised by the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), is not just a matter of professional preference but a fundamental requirement for ensuring safety, durability, and economic sustainability in the nation’s housing stock.
According to him, the professional builder serves as the technical lead in translating architectural designs and engineering calculations into safe, habitable structures. “NIOB provides the professional platform for these practitioners, promoting the science and practice of building technology, maintenance management, and project management. The institute’s mission is to enable members to deliver sustainable housing solutions through research, development, and the application of global best practices.
“In Nigeria, where the housing deficit is estimated at 15 million units, the administrative role of the builder is indispensable. Registered builders bridge the gap between government policy and the technical realities of housing delivery, ensuring that administrative goals are practical, safe, and cost-effective,” he said.
On the recurring menace of building collapse, Adekola described the situation as a national emergency, noting that such incidents result in loss of lives, investments, and damage to the construction industry’s reputation. He emphasised that the role of registered builders in preventing these disasters is perhaps their most critical function.
He observed that studies of building collapses across the country, from Lagos to the South-South region, consistently identify the same causes: substandard materials, poor workmanship, inadequate supervision, and the use of unqualified personnel. Unlicensed contractors, he added, often cut corners, ignore structural specifications, or use inferior materials to maximise profits.
“Registered builders mitigate these risks through strict adherence to professional ethics and statutory standards. As faithful agents or trustees of their clients, they have a fiduciary duty to ensure the safety and integrity of every structure.
“Their involvement ensures that soil-bearing capacities are properly considered in design implementation; that critical structural elements such as foundations, beams, and columns are inspected at every stage; that building materials, including cement, reinforcement steel, and blocks, are properly tested; and that builders’ documentation is used as a control mechanism throughout the construction process,” he said.
In this article