The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), Abdulkareem Babatunde Sulyman, has urged the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) to intensify sensitisation efforts and enforce appropriate sanctions against unregistered builders to curb building collapses.

Addressing members of the institute during their visit to his office, the chairman acknowledged the importance of advocacy in driving the success of such organisations. He affirmed KWGIS's willingness to collaborate with the NIOB Kwara State Chapter to promote compliance with global best practices in the construction industry.

Abdulkareem highlighted that NIOB is the sole recognised training and professional body for builders in Nigeria, endorsed by the regulatory authority, the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON). This partnership aims to enhance safety standards and professionalism within the sector.

The chairman stated that they are free to forward any interests or requests they have to his office for further action and onward transmission to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his assent.

Earlier, the Chairman of NIOB, Builder Folaranmi Kazeem Adekunle, and his team informed KWGIS of the new Nigeria Building Code, NBC, recently passed into law by the National Assembly, urging the state to domesticate the law.

He also urged the chairman to facilitate its passage in the state House of Assembly.

Adekunle stated that the institute has consistently emphasized the role of builders in improving craftsmanship, which has led to the implementation of various programs at both national and state levels. Among these is the annual National Builders Day, observed every 13th of March, to highlight the importance of quality construction in Nigeria.

“This year, as part of the activities for Builders Day, some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been selected for courtesy and advocacy visits to sensitize relevant stakeholders about the day,” he further disclosed.

Adekunle observed that engineers handling government building construction projects often do not incorporate professional builders, urging the chairman to address the situation.