The President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arch. Festus Adibe Njoku, has said that his institute has commenced work on a affordable housing project for Nigerians. The project, he disclosed, would be executed with the use of local materials in order to make the houses affordable for low income earning group in the country. Njoku, who spoke in Abuja recently, said: “We want to build a sample in Abuja. The walls might be made of mud and not blocks but when it is plastered and painted, nobody will know the difference.
“We want people to know that they can build a house with local materials without spending too much. The materials will stand the test of time. We will solve the problem of high cost of building for the poor man. It is the best approach to solving housing deficit in Nigeria.” The NIA’s president, who lamented erosion of standards among architects, tasked the Architects’ Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to check the trend and instill discipline in the profession without fear of favour. He said: “The Institute will channel its energy towards the issue of discipline in the practice.
This is one hydra-headed monster that has been gradually eating deep into the fabric of this profession.” He commented on the necessity for collaboration with the federal and state governments, their agencies and institutions such as well as local and international relevant consultancy associations for the much-needed synergy that would facilitate the desired built environment on sustainable basis. The NIA boss said there is need for continuous parley and interaction with mass media more than ever before to show case interventionist programmes and achievements to the public.
On job creation, he said: “Job creation is one area that NIA more than any other body in the built environment profession, has greater responsibility. A lot of young architect graduates from institutions of higher learning every year, and most of them end up joining others already in the job market. “I therefore enjoin professional architects to use all machineries at their disposal to create job opportunities for our teeming young professionals.” The president said there is need for continuous education of its members and public enlightenment on their responsibilities to policymakers, sister associations and the general public.
