Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of unqualified individuals in the Nigerian building industry, warning that this dangerous trend is putting the lives of citizens at risk and compromising the integrity of buildings across the country.
Governor Nwifuru made this known during the opening of the 55th Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital. The conference brought together professional builders, regulators, engineers, and policymakers from across Nigeria.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Advancing Builders’ Knowledge and Skills for Effective Enforcement of Building Regulatory Laws for Sustainable Development,” the governor stressed the urgent need to rid the sector of quackery and enforce regulatory standards.
“The growing infiltration of untrained individuals into the building profession is alarming,” Nwifuru said. “Quackery is not only a threat to the integrity of our buildings but also a direct danger to the lives of Nigerians.”
Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed repeated incidents of building collapses, especially in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Investigations have often pointed to the use of substandard materials, lack of regulatory oversight, and unqualified personnel as root causes.
Nwifuru urged the NIOB and its members to take bold steps to protect the profession and the public from further tragedy.
“We cannot continue to allow untrained people to construct our homes, schools, and hospitals,” he said. “This carelessness has led to the avoidable loss of lives and properties. It must stop.”
Governor Nwifuru called on the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Building to intensify its fight against unprofessional practices, while also promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethics among its members.
He encouraged builders to focus on projects that promote urban renewal, climate-resilient construction, and infrastructure maintenance—factors he described as crucial to the long-term development of Nigerian cities.
“Sustainability is not just about building today; it’s about ensuring that what we build lasts tomorrow. That requires skilled professionals, regular maintenance, and the right materials.”
Governor Nwifuru did not stop at pointing out the problems. He urged the NIOB to work closely with lawmakers to sponsor strict building-related bills at the National Assembly. According to him, such laws will strengthen regulatory frameworks and ensure that only licensed professionals are allowed to practice.
He also called for continuous training and capacity building among builders, especially in areas like emerging technologies, smart construction, and sustainable materials.
“We need innovation. The building industry must embrace research and development to improve quality and reduce cost,” he added.
The governor further pledged that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for building experts in Ebonyi State. He urged other governors to do the same by investing in infrastructure and providing regulatory support for construction professionals.
The event also featured goodwill messages from top government officials, including Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who represented Governor Charles Soludo, and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Deputy Governor of Enugu State, who represented Governor Peter Mbah.
Both leaders echoed Governor Nwifuru’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of professionalism in the building sector and calling on builders to balance durability with affordability, especially in addressing Nigeria’s growing housing deficit.
“Affordable housing doesn’t mean cheap or unsafe housing,” said Dr. Ibezim. “It means quality homes that everyday Nigerians can afford and feel safe in.”
The 55th Builders’ Conference served as a platform for reflection, discussion, and renewed commitment to professionalism in Nigeria’s building industry.
With representatives from both the public and private sectors present, the event reinforced the need for collaboration among engineers, builders, urban planners, and government agencies to ensure safety, quality, and sustainability in construction projects across the country.
In closing, Governor Nwifuru charged all builders to see themselves as nation-builders, whose role goes beyond laying blocks and mixing cement, but who also shape the future of communities and protect lives.
“We must build not just for today, but for generations to come,” he concluded.
