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Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) to uphold ethics and excellence within the construction and building sector in Nigeria.

He made the call during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Institute to the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Emphasizing the vital role that the Institute plays in maintaining and elevating industry standards within the construction and building sector in Nigeria, the Minister stressed the importance of setting and upholding high ethical and professional standards among its members.

According to Arc. Dangiwa, the Institute is a critical partner in the Ministry’s efforts to develop cost-effective housing designs and promote the construction of quality and affordable housing that caters to the income profiles of 80 percent of Nigerians falling within the low- and medium-income bracket.

“One of the central pillars of my tenure as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development is the prioritization of affordable housing. It is of utmost importance that we address the housing needs of the 80 percent of Nigeria’s population who fall within the no-income, low to medium earners category. These hardworking citizens are equally deserving of living in decent, well-planned homes and neighborhoods that reflect the principles of inclusivity and fairness. Achieving this requires affordable housing design concepts based on the most efficient bills of quantities,” he stated.

He urged NIQS to take stringent disciplinary actions against those engaged in substandard practices. By doing so, he emphasized, the Institute would protect the reputation of the profession and substantially contribute to the safety and quality of construction in Nigeria.

According to Dangiwa, during his first week in office, he set up an Affordable Housing Design Committee to develop more efficient design options that fit the income profiles of Nigerians within the low- and medium-income bracket.

“Our Ministry professionals have done a great job and we ll like to have your comments before we unveil them to the public. Our goal is to come up with the most efficient, workable, and sustainable affordable designs that will help us deliver on our mandate,” he noted.

“Your profession plays a key role in the delivery of affordable housing. Your ability to manage costs, optimize resources, and ensure quality and compliance directly impacts the feasibility of affordable housing projects. By leveraging your expertise, we can create sustainable, well-built, and affordable housing solutions for communities, promoting social development and economic progress. Indeed, quantity surveyors are the custodians of fiscal responsibility in construction. Your discerning eyes prevent wastage, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently. Through their expertise, they pave the way for affordable housing without compromise.” 

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Furthermore, the Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the expertise of quantity surveyors and acknowledged their ability to optimize resources, manage costs, and guarantee quality, all of which directly influence the feasibility of affordable housing projects.

He encouraged the NIQS to actively collaborate with the government in the ongoing review of building standards and regulations. The Minister emphasized the importance of aligning industry benchmarks with global best practices, ensuring they reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of the Nigerian construction sector.

Also speaking, President Shonubi Michael Olayemi commended the Ministry’s proactive approach towards affordable housing and assured the Minister of the NIQS’s commitment to collaboration. He reiterated the Institute’s dedication to maintaining high standards within the industry and emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for quantity surveyors.

“The NIQS is deeply committed to ensuring that our members adhere to the highest ethical standards. We will collaborate with the Ministry to provide expert input during the review of building standards and regulations. Together, we can contribute significantly to the development of quality and affordable housing in Nigeria,” President Olayemi stated.

Source: AfricaHousingNews