As a skilled reporter for Media Talk Africa, I would like to highlight the key points from the interview with Dr. Samson Opaluwah, the Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON).

Initiatives to promote smart technologies in the building industry:

1. Training: CORBON is transferring hardcopy processes to technology, offering online training and capacity-building programs for builders and artisans.
2. Materials: The council is promoting the use of local materials and supporting research into indigenous building materials to reduce costs and increase accessibility.
3. Construction and delivery: CORBON is introducing technology in the construction process, including the use of 3D printing with mud to build affordable houses.

Addressing the housing deficit:

1. Capacity building: CORBON is training artisans and builders at all levels to deliver quality buildings.
2. Research and development: The council is supporting research into indigenous building materials and technologies to reduce costs and increase accessibility.
3. Partnerships: CORBON is collaborating with tech companies, startups, and research institutions to drive innovation in the building sector.

Increasing access to affordable housing in rural communities:

1. Training and licensing: CORBON is training artisans and licensing them to operate in their local communities, allowing them to build quality houses using local materials.
2. National Occupational Standard: The council has developed a standard for building trades, levels 1 to 3, which enables artisans to acquire competence and build houses.

Government role:

1. Regulation: CORBON is seeking support from the government to regulate the building sector, ensuring that builders adhere to building codes and standards.
2. National housing program: The council wants the government to support a national housing program, enabling them to deliver buildings and take building knowledge and technology down to the grassroots.

Long-term goals:

1. Building a house for every Nigerian: CORBON aims to build a quality, affordable, and comfortable accommodation for every Nigerian.
2. Sustainable housing: The council wants to ensure that every Nigerian lives in a comfortable, quality, and sustainable environment.

As a reporter, I would like to follow up on these initiatives and goals to provide a comprehensive report on the efforts of CORBON to promote smart technologies and address the housing deficit in Nigeria.