Minister Of State For Industry Charges Stakeholders On Standard Practices In Building & Construction

DIANA-MARY NSAN

The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, was at the National Conference on Building/Construction for key stakeholders in the sector, which held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, on the 12th of November, 2024. 

The forum, which brought together key players in the building and construction sectors, was centered around the theme “Adherence to Standard Practices: The Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building Sector”.

In his address, Senator John Owan Enoh acknowledged the importance of the gathering in light of the recent increase in building collapses across Nigeria. The Minister emphasized the urgency to address the causes of such disasters and called for a collective effort from industry professionals, regulators, and stakeholders to focus on adherence to established standards and practices.

“This forum couldn’t have come at a better time,” Senator Enoh stated. “As we gather as experts in various construction and building fields, we must confront the underlying issues that lead to building collapses, including standardization, quality assurance, certification, regulatory efficiency, and enforcement.”

The Minister also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), which falls under his mandate, in ensuring safer and more reliable structures. He urged the industry stakeholders to work together, focusing on key areas such as pre-construction, construction, post-construction/maintenance, regulatory frameworks, public awareness, and capacity building.

“I am confident that with the competence of SON and its leadership, we can achieve better results in ensuring a safer building and construction industry,” Senator Enoh assured attendees. “The Ministry will fully support your efforts in this important journey.”

Senator Enoh further reaffirmed the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to driving economic growth, safety, and prosperity, with a particular focus on protecting lives and property. He stressed that putting an end to building collapses through adherence to standard practices aligns with the government’s broader objectives of national development and safety.

The Honourable Minister concluded his speech by expressing optimism for the forum’s discussions and urged all stakeholders to use the opportunity to propose solutions that will lead to a more resilient and safe building sector in Nigeria.

“Let us work together for a safer and more sustainable building industry,” Senator Enoh said. “With a united effort, we can ensure that the building and construction sector contributes positively to our nation’s growth and prosperity.”

The forum was attended by top officials from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the DG SON Dr Ifeanyi Okeke with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) team, and other key stakeholders in the building and construction industry.