The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle issues of construction failures, particularly building collapses, across the country.
Speaking ahead of a national conference on the building sector set for November 12, 2024, at the Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre in Abuja, Ifeanyi Okeke, Director General of SON, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between public and private sector professionals to enhance the quality and safety of construction practices in Nigeria.
According to Foluso Bolaji, Director of the Public Relations Department, who shared the DG’s remarks, the conference’s theme, “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building Sector,” is timely.
Okeke noted that the gathering aims to unite leading industry figures to reimagine the building sector, placing safety, sustainability, and growth at the forefront.
“We value the participation of every professional and stakeholder. Their contributions will be crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges and recurrent issues within the building and construction subsectors,” Okeke stated, underscoring the potential impact of collective insights in enhancing construction standards.
The conference, according to SON, is expected to support the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on ensuring affordable, safe, and high-quality housing. Okeke expressed optimism that the ideas shared would drive effective collaboration and spur greater investment in Nigeria’s building industry, which in turn, would stimulate economic growth and create new employment opportunities in the sector.
With SON championing the need for strict adherence to standard practices, this national conference is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting safe and sustainable development across Nigeria’s construction landscape.