The recent inauguration of a seven-member Disciplinary Tribunal for Registered Builders of Nigeria, led by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, marks a significant step in reinforcing the standards of professionalism within the Nigerian building sector. This initiative, as announced by Salis Haiba, the Director of Information and Public Relations, aims to address infractions committed by builders and to enhance public safety in construction practices. The tribunal’s formation aligns with the provisions of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004, which empowers it to handle disciplinary cases referred by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON). The establishment of such a tribunal reinforces the collaborative efforts between government agencies and professional bodies to attain and maintain global building standards.
During his inauguration speech, Dangiwa highlighted the paramount responsibility of builders to construct safe structures that protect lives and meet all necessary regulations. He underscored the severe consequences that arise from neglecting safety protocols, referencing alarming instances of building collapses that have been reported across the nation. A notable example was the recent tragic incident in the Lugbe area of Abuja, which served as a wake-up call regarding the critical need for stringent adherence to building standards. Dangiwa’s commitment to reinforce these standards indicates the government’s resolve to address the recurring issues of negligence within the construction sector.
The minister’s remarks also emphasized the broader implications of the tribunal’s work, particularly in light of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda underlines that any form of negligence or compromise regarding safety and professional diligence would no longer be tolerated in the building industry. Dangiwa called for a proactive stance on the part of the tribunal, aiming for decisive actions that would mitigate gaps in enforcement and bolster the professional integrity expected within the construction field. This comprehensive approach signals a commitment to significantly improving safety standards and outcomes in the built environment.
Moreover, Dangiwa expressed appreciation for CORBON’s role in the tribunal’s establishment, particularly in providing a well-qualified pool of nominees, which is crucial for maintaining integrity within the disciplinary process. He urged the tribunal members to manage disciplinary cases with utmost professionalism, integrity, and transparency. Recognizing that their decisions could have far-reaching consequences for the construction sector, the minister instilled a sense of responsibility among tribunal members to uphold the credibility of the building profession.
In response, the newly appointed chairman of the tribunal, Samson Opaluwah, articulated the significance of the tribunal’s formation as a bold declaration by the federal government. He assured adherence to the governing principles of fairness and professionalism in handling cases, signaling a new era of accountability within the building sector. Opaluwah’s commitment to discipline those who violate these set standards aligns with the government’s vision to professionalize the built environment, a step that is essential for advancing construction practices in Nigeria.
The establishment of the Disciplinary Tribunal aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the accountability, safety, and professionalism of builders in Nigeria. By focusing on strict enforcement of regulations and ethical standards, the tribunal aims to significantly reduce the incidence of building collapses and enhance public trust in the construction sector. As both the government and CORBON collaborate to elevate professional standards, the hope is that such initiatives will lead to a safer built environment for all Nigerians, ensuring the lives and properties of citizens are safeguarded within robust and reliable construction practices.
