To ensure continuous improvement of the housing sector, the Lagos State Government has welcomed a proposal by the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) for a partnership arrangement for regular upgrading of the skills and competencies of artisans.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for housing, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola, who spoke during a visit of NIOB to the Ministry of Housing in Ikeja, called for improved collaboration with all the professional associations in the built sector for a speedy actualization of the transformation agenda of the State government in the housing sector.
He said such upgrading is a crucial prerequisite for delivering high-quality buildings. According to him, the significant role played by artisans cannot be underestimated as they determine the exactness of the specifications of most building projects.
“It is therefore in the best interest of all stakeholders along the building value chain to spare a thought for the continuous improvement of the skills of these artisans so that their output can justify the time and financial investment of all concerned”, Akewusola added.
He also noted that the failure of most building designs is in the inability of artisans to correctly translate building plans or designs into reality.
“Artisans are very important in achieving the goals of building safe and sustainable homes hence Lagos government is set for active involvement in capacity building for this category of workers, he disclosed.
He further pointed out that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation will improve with the enhanced capacity of the artisans.
According to him, upgrading and retooling of artisans would make them to be more marketable in the global labor market.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIOB, Mr. Sunday Wusu, pointed out that the association is interested in supporting the State government in developing contents and modules that would result inenhancing the capabilities of masons, tillers, painters and aluminum fabricators who will on the long run add value to the deliverables of the State government in the housing sector.
Wusu added that safety and quality of homes can only be assured when the artisans are well-grounded in their various areas of specialization.
Also, a former Chairperson of the chapter, Mrs. Said Adenike also appealed for the placement of some of the association’s trainees on ongoing projects of the State so they can acquire appropriate site experience to boost their understanding of the practice.
