As part of efforts to proffer realistic solution to the removal of electricity subsidy and other challenges bedeviling shelter and the country’s building construction industry, the FCT Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has said its 2024 Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) is designed to serve as a veritable platform to discuss challenges and proffer solutions to various issues.
A statement, signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Chapter, Bldr. Joy Idialu, made available to journalists at the weekend, quoted the Chairman of the Chapter, Bldr. Abdulmumin Okehi Usman, FNIOB as saying that “Year 2024 Conference and AGM of the Chapter will provide Nigeria with solutions that will not only address the quest for alternative energy sources in housing, but will also present the country with solutions to other challenges in the industry.”
‘The FCT Chapter of NIOB has chosen the theme, “Energy Transition in Nigerian Building Industry: An Appraisal of Salient Issues,” as the focus of the 2024 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the chapter,’ adding that renown renewable energy experts of global reputation have been scheduled to discuss policy imperatives of energy transition in the country’s building industry.
While saying that the conference is scheduled to hold in Abuja on 24th and 25th of April, 2024, Bldr. Abdulmumin said the FCT Chapter of NIOB will bring together academic researchers, policy makers and distinguished captains of industry in Building and Renewable Energy to feature as Resource Fellows who will lead the sessions at the Conference.
Idialu further quoted the Chairman as saying: “Year 2024 conference is designed to address issues that are topical for the building construction industry and country at this point in time, and we need the world to know that Research and Development in energy and building construction has shown the way to go in the quest for alternative energy source,” he said, adding that renewable energy experts and academics of global repute have confirmed attendance.”
The Chairman, Bldr Abdulmumin stated: “In order to convene a highly resourceful conference of relevant stakeholders, we have engaged relevant institutions in the public and private sector including the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Exceptional Captains of industry in Renewable Energy who have led corporate teams to provide renewable energy solution to countries in Africa and around the world.”
He explained that the Institute, through the conference, will link these successful team players to opportunities in Nigeria.
“We want them to support academic research in renewable energy in order to propel the universities and research intuitions to evolve new finding and ensure greater development in the sectors,” he added.
According to Bldr. Abdulmumin, the meeting will also proffer solutions to the challenge of availability of renewable energy resources while identifying the investment opportunities that come with it.
Discussing the appropriateness of the theme with regards to the increasing consumption of energy in homes, the Chairman explained that energy transition is vital for the socio-economic and industrial development of Nigeria.
He said the Institute will lead the way in the quest for enactment of policies that will create investment support for Builders who desire joint ventures in renewable energy.
The Chairman discussed the sub-themes of the upcoming conference saying that they have been outlined to give impetus to the lead-theme and to x-ray otherwise salient aspects of renewable energy.
According to the chairman, ‘the sub themes include “Energy Transition in the Nigerian Building Industry: Challenges and Way Forward,” “Viability of incorporating solar power options as an approach to energy transition,” and Bio digesters as an effective waste management/alternative energy solution in Nigeria.”
Bldr. Abdulmumin pointed out that successful Nigerians who have established industrialised organizations that are powered by renewable energy solutions must share knowledge that will influence policy formulation toward the provision of energy efficient homes in the country.
“The establishments have been off-grid for many years, yet there has not been power outage for a minute,” he added.
“We look forward to sharing knowledge with our resource fellows who we have attracted from Nigeria, Germany and the United States,” he said.
