Influx of foreign professionals, artisans into construction sector worries NIOB

Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos chapter, yesterday, said it would address the influx of foreign professionals and artisans into the construction industry of the country.

Hakeem Ogunniran, NIOB chairman, disclosed this at a news conference heralding the forthcoming Builder’s Conference/Annual General Meeting of the institute in Lagos.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, it has as its theme: “Influx of Foreign Professionals and Artisans into Nigeria Construction Industry and its Implication on the Nation’s Economy in the Democratic Setting.’’

Ogunniran said the foreign professionals, contractors and artisans were dominating the construction industry, and if not checked, might lead to complete loss of the sector to foreigners.

He said there was supposed to be mutual relationship and collaboration between the local construction operators and their foreign counterparts.

“Unfortunately, there is little or no cooperation between the two parties; the Nigerian economy is too porous that the foreigners are freely allowed into the country to operate at will.

“The foreign construction professionals and artisans have failed to obey the building and construction laws and codes that are supposed to regulate their existence and operations in the country,’’ he said.

Ogunniran said the building laws and codes stated, “any foreign construction company coming into the country must be identified with a local company with which it can collaborate to operate.

“This implies that no foreign construction company should come into Nigeria to operate wholly on its own. It must collaborate with a local company, which is supposed to be the pioneer of any project the foreign company wants to execute.

“This is because the local operators know the environment, the citizens and their needs better than the strangers. Unfortunately, governments, organisations and private individuals feel that the foreign contractors are more competent than the local ones and continue to award contracts to them.’’

Nigeria has capable professionals in the built environment who are even better than the foreigners, the NIOB chairman said, saying the local professionals only needed financial resources to be proficient in their service delivery.

“The local construction operators do not have the manpower and the resources to purchase a construction machine or equipment that may cost N20 million to N30 million. But if the government can assist with provision of credit facilities and an enabling environment, they will do better,’’ he said.