Stakeholders harp on need to engage professionals in building construction, as builders conference ends in Lagos
The 33rd conference and Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Institute of Builders, Lagos State Chapter has ended with stakeholders harping on the need for private and Estate developers to engage the services of qualified builders in carrying out their building projects .
The conference with the theme ‘Breaking Barriers And Empowering Change in Nigeria’s Real Estate Sector Process and Control’ attracted many professionals from the building sector and sister professions who brainstormed on how to move the body forward.
In his opening remark, Chairman of the association, Thomas Adeoye expressed happiness with the turnout and decisions taken at the Annual General Meeting which he said will go a long way in shaping the future of the body
According to him, the two day conference enabled members to engage in thought provoking discussions , explore innovate ideas as well as celebrate the achievements of the body since inception.
He commended all the past presidents, elders council, his executive members and all members of the body for their support and collaboration in moving the association forward even as he appealed for their continuous support.
In her paper titled, implementation of innovative financing models for building project development, Mrs. Bolanle Ibitola , MD, Crayon Development Limited spoke on how members of the body can raise money for real Estate projects.
According to her assessing loans from banks and Mortgage Institutions might be a bit cumbersome because of their high interest rate and collateral and advocated having a real Estate Investment Trust where people can pull resources together but admitted that this could also be a bit complicated.
She however, noted that there are a lot of wealthy individuals who might like to sponsor projects without stringent conditions but one needs goodwill to get their support and advised members to explore the option as it has worked for many people.
Speaking on the topic, Housing Affordability And Financing , Dr. Aladeloba Adesina Emmanuel, Chief Lecturer, Yaba College of Technology, noted that most developers are not professionals and that one must be very careful about any property he wants to develop.
He reminded members that having Certificate of Occupancy ( C of O) is not a guarantee of title to land and that due diligence must be followed on any land issue just as he advised that proper investigation must be carried out in the Ministry of Lands to avoid unnecessary litigation.
In his presentation, Dr. Odegade Abdulhakeem MD/ CEO of Akmodel Groups speaking on Environmental sustainablility and ESG impact on real estate sector advised builders to always liaise with Ministry of Physical Planning to ensure that they’re doing the right thing.
Honorary Secretary of the body, Mubarak Gbajabiamila expressed happiness with the turnout; saying that the presence of Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Lagos State Development Property Corporation, Lagos State Ministry of Land and other relevant stakeholders is an indication that they are working in synergy to ensure quality houses are constructed in the state
In their separate interviews, Asimiyu Bashir, former chairman of Nigerian Institute of Builders, Lagos State Chapter and Vice Chairman of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria and Chairman of the Association, Ayuba Akere, expressed happiness at the successful hosting of the conference noting that the members have benefitted immensely from the conference.
Highlight of the conference includes presentation of awards to some deserving members who have served the association meritoriously.
