The Minister of Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria, Arc. Musa Ahmed Dangiwa, has urged the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) to take a leading role in promoting ethics and excellence within the construction and building sector in the country.
Arc. Dangiwa emphasized the vital role of the Institute during a courtesy visit by its leadership to his office in Abuja. He highlighted the importance of setting and upholding high ethical and professional standards among members to safeguard the reputation of the profession while contributing substantially to the safety and quality of construction projects in Nigeria.
The Minister acknowledged the Institute as a critical partner in the Ministry’s efforts to develop affordable housing designs and promote the construction of quality and affordable homes that cater to the income profiles of 80% of Nigerians falling within the low- and medium-income brackets.
“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 80% of Nigeria’s population who fall within the no-income, low to medium-earners category. These hardworking citizens equally deserve to live 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.
In his first week in office, Arc. Dangiwa established an Affordable Housing Design Committee to develop more efficient design options that align with the income profiles of Nigerians in the low- and medium-income brackets.
“Our professionals in the ministry have done a great job, and we would 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 added.
The Minister stressed the importance of the NIQS’s role in delivering affordable housing, citing their expertise in managing costs, optimizing resources, and ensuring quality and compliance. Their contributions would directly impact the feasibility of affordable housing projects, leading to sustainable, well-built, and affordable housing solutions that drive social development and economic progress.
Arc. Dangiwa also encouraged the NIQS to actively collaborate with the government during the ongoing review of building standards and regulations.
The President of NIQS, Surveyor Shonubi Michael Olayemi, commended the proactive approach of the Ministry towards affordable housing and assured the Minister of the institute’s commitment and collaboration.
He reaffirmed the NIQS’s dedication to upholding 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,” Olayemi stated.
