By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Kabiru Bala, has highlighted the significant opportunities the housing and infrastructure deficit in Nigeria presents for professional builders to contribute to the national economy.
Speaking at the inaugural two-day retreat of the Northern Builders’ Forum (NBF) of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Bala noted that the construction industry in Nigeria offers substantial opportunities for professionals despite its challenges.
“With an estimated housing deficit of 28 million units in 2023 and an infrastructure deficit exceeding 50 percent, builders and other professionals must prepare to effectively harness the industry’s potential for prosperity,” he urged.
Professor Bala emphasized the need for builders to organize and reposition themselves strategically to maximize these opportunities.
He praised the retreat’s theme, describing it as “very apt” for enhancing understanding of current economic reforms in relation to professional practices.
He challenged the Northern Builders’ Forum (NBF) to explore ways to improve the capacity development of their members, strengthen their cohesion, and ensure strong partnership development.
He also stressed the importance of mentorship to nurture the next generation of professionals.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the retreat comes at a time when the activities of professionals in Nigeria’s built environment are under scrutiny regarding their competence, diligence, and ability to deliver a safe built environment.
He called for concerted efforts among professionals to address the issue of building collapses and prevent quackery and the use of substandard construction materials.
In his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Building at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Mansir Dodo, who chaired the Local Organizing Committee for the retreat, welcomed participants and wished them a productive retreat.
Professor Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi of the Department of Economics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, presented the lead paper at the retreat.
He spoke on “Imperatives of Economic Reforms and the Performance of the Construction Industry in Nigeria.”
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