The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has urged federal, state and local governments to patronise indigenous construction companies in a bid to boost local economy, showcase Nigerian expertise to the outside world and boost local content.
The chairman of NIS, Kaduna state Council, Surv. Daudu Andrew, made the call while presenting an award of excellence to Farmtrac Nigeria Ltd. in Kaduna.
He said major construction projects in the country were handled by foreign contractors due to the erroneous notion that “only foreign companies can handle big and complex projects,” adding that though foreign firms still dominated the construction industry in the country, “some local firms, such as Farmtrac Nigeria Ltd., are changing the narratives.”
He said, “Surveyors have conducted investigations on Farmtrac and found out that unlike other companies who import workers from abroad, Farmtrac remains committed to improving Nigerian economy by employing competent Nigerians to work in the company. Farmtrac has handled many projects such as construction of 10km Kachia Township Road, a 10km Road in Sanga, composed of 4km township and 6km bypass, and 36km Kwassam-Gisheri Road including 60m bridge in Kauru local government.
“Our experience from the Saminaka – Bauchi Road, the Damau Milk Farm link road, and an international project in Kano, handled by Farmtrac, suffice to make the company stand tall. Going by all these track records as an indigenous company, the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors deemed it appropriate to confer the Award of Excellence on the company. The award is to celebrate outstanding individuals and institutions for their role in positively shaping Nigeria with the sole aim of encouraging them to do more.”
Receiving the award, the Managing Director/CEO of Farmtrac Nigeria Ltd., Engr. Sadiq Abubakar, promised that the award would spur the company to strive harder.
