SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. BLDR. FRANCIS OGBONNA NWIFURU, FNIOB, ON THE OCCASION OF 55TH BUILDERS' CONFERENCE/ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE (19TH- 23RD AUGUST, 2025).It gives me great pleasure to welcome you, my revered colleagues, particularly the 22nd National President of this noble institute, to the 55th Builders' conference, which is being held today in Ebonyi State, the Salt of the Nation. Your visit is an affirmation of the critical role the building profession plays in the growth, development, and modernization of our dear country.
The Nigerian Institute of Building, since 1969, has remained a formidable pillar in shaping the physical and infrastructural outlook of our society. It is our core mandate as builders to bring construction projects to fruition, from planning to completion. We oversee, coordinate not only in the area of construction but repairs and renovation of homes. As builders, we are not just artisans or supervisors of construction; we are nation-builders in the truest sense of the word. Every school, hospital, road infrastructure, housing estate, or government edifice that graces our communities bears testimony to our professional contribution as builders.
PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS
The demands of society in our profession are growing daily. Our people expect functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing structures. They expect efficiency, safety, and affordability. As Governor of Ebonyi State, I can assure you that these expectations are not misplaced. Rather, they are a reflection of the trust and confidence the people reposed in you as professionals who stand at the very foundation of national development. Therefore, beginning from the preconstruction process, builders need to work with the design team and contractors to develop project plans with detailed drawings, budgets, and schedules of labour projections.
The people of Ebonyi State, and indeed Nigeria, look up to us as builders. They want us to be at the forefront of delivering affordable housing, sustainable urban renewal, climate-resilient structures, and a maintenance culture that will reduce waste and ensure the longevity of public infrastructure. I must also stress that professionalism comes with responsibility. Our citizens expect transparency, adherence to standards, and a zero tolerance for corruption in project execution. You must therefore lead by example, upholding the ethics and values that define this noble building profession.
Permit me, however, to speak frankly about an issue that has long cast a shadow over the practice of building in Nigeria – the persistent professional rivalry between Builders and Engineers, particularly Civil and Structural Engineers.
I recognize the contributions of all professionals in the built environment. Each discipline - be it Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Building - has its scope, its jurisdiction, and its mandate. But the truth must be said: undue interference, boundary encroachments, and unhealthy rivalries have often led to confusion, duplication of efforts, professional sabotage, and in some instances, structural failures that erode public confidence. We must rise above this.
Professional rivalry should not be a stumbling block to the development of our nation. Instead, let collaboration be our guiding principle. Let us respect professional boundaries while promoting synergy, because when builders are given their rightful place in the project cycle, quality, safety, and efficiency are guaranteed. I therefore urge the Nigerian Institute of Building to continue engaging constructively with sister professional bodies, to push for harmony in practice, and to advocate for reforms in legislation and policy that clearly define and protect our professional roles as builders..
Distinguished guests and my colleagues, I am aware that our building profession faces peculiar challenges that need urgent attention.
What are these challenges :
a. Poor Public Perception: Many citizens still struggle to differentiate between “builders” and other construction professionals like architects and civil engineers, and even quantity surveyors. This misunderstanding affects our recognition and reduces the value attached to our specialized role.
b. Infiltration by Quacks: The proliferation of untrained individuals parading as builders has resulted in frequent cases of building collapse, avoidable loss of lives, and destruction of property. This menace tarnishes the image of genuine professionals like you and me and, of course, erodes public trust. The NIOB, as the highest authority in the country when it comes to the building profession, should take urgent steps to curb incidences of building collapse. The menace of building collapse is attributed mainly to the activities of quacks. More needs to be done to strictly monitor and ensure that buildings meet the highest standards.
c. Regulatory and Policy Gaps: There are still loopholes in the regulatory framework governing building practices in Nigeria. Enforcement is often weak, allowing non-professionals to dominate spaces reserved for trained builders like you and me. This is why I consider the theme of this year most suitable' 'Advancing Builders' knowledge and skills for effective enforcement of building regulatory laws for sustainable development ". I therefore appeal to States that are yet to domesticate the regulatory laws to do so that while NIOB should initiate more stringent bills to the National Assembly to help and strengthen the profession
d. Capacity and Technological Advancement: As the world evolves, construction is becoming more technology-driven, requiring continuous training and exposure. Without massive investment in capacity development, Nigerian builders risk being left behind. So we must continue to train and retrain our colleagues on best global practices and technology-driven innovations in the building profession. Believe me, this is the only way we can stay afloat as builders in murky waters and terrains of this profession.
However, as a government headed by a builder, we are committed to providing the enabling environment for professionals like you to thrive. Here in Ebonyi, we will continue to open up opportunities in housing development, infrastructure expansion, and public-private partnerships where your expertise as builders will be indispensable.
In the spirit of partnership, I urge the Nigerian Institute of Building to:
1. Intensify advocacy against quackery and promote public awareness of who a professional builder is.
2. Strengthen collaboration with government and private developers to ensure that every building project is executed under professional supervision.
3. Invest in research, innovation, and capacity development to embrace new technologies, sustainable materials, and smart construction practices.
4. Continue the dialogue with sister professional bodies, ensuring that synergy prevails over rivalry.
Distinguished builders, Nigeria in general needs you; Ebonyi State in particular needs you. And of course, this administration recognizes your importance and will not hesitate to work with our Institute in reshaping the physical landscape of our state. As trained and professional builders, let us continue to build not only structures of concrete and steel but also the foundation of a nation where professionalism, integrity, and collaboration thrive.
CONCLUSION
I must commend the outgoing president of NIOB for his resilience in piloting the affairs of the institute and making it the envy of other professions. Your leadership was indeed very eventful and has set a standard for your predecessor to consolidate. To the incoming Executive, I charge you to lead with team spirit and also maintain high professional standards.
This visit will allow you to see and feel our modest efforts to further develop the State, not only in building infrastructure but in other essential sectors. I plead with you to take a little time to visit our Administrative and faculty buildings in the ICT and Aerospace Universities, our Housing Estates, and our ten-storey building undergoing remodelling.
On behalf of the government and people of Ebonyi State, I once again welcome you and wish you successful deliberation.
Thank you, my professional colleagues, for your visit.
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