The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, (CORBON) is to develop National Occupational Standards for twenty building trades within the next two years.
The Chairman of the Council, Dr. Samson Opaluwah who made this known at a conference in Abuja to commemorate CORBON’S thirty fifth anniversary said the aim was to provide a benchmark for skills and competencies in the industry.
He explained that this is in addition to the already established occupational standards for nine trades which include masonry, carpentary, tiling, painting, welding, iron bending, aluminium work, fabrication, cladding and Formwork.
Dr. Opaluwah while highlighting some achievements the council, said it registered and licensed about 4,000 Builders as well as established the Project Evaluation and Monitoring Unit (PEMU) to ensure the quality and safety of building projects delivery across the country.
The Chairman of CORBON maintained that the council had inaugurated the Registered Builders Disciplinary Tribunal to sanction violators of the building regulations, established diaspora network to enable members practice outside the country and trained training fifty thousand people across two hundred and fifty training centres under the National Skills Qualification Framework.
He stated that the council is collaborating with UNESCO, National Board for Technical Education, National Social Investment Programme and other stakeholders to enhance capacity building of professionals in the sector.
Dr. Opaluwah called for the development of robust national housing strategies, massive training of building professionals and re-organisation of building materials marketing system to ensure quality control.
He also stressed the need for a major national programme to support entrepreneurs in the building industry through the provision of start-up capitals.
According to Dr. Opaluwah easy access to mortgages and review of the nation’s land system would boost housing delivery.
The Chairman of CORBON who reiterated that the council was committed to programmes and policies that enhance the provision of quality and affordable housing said the sector was among the top ten employers of labour in the country.
He advocated the enactment of a law to enforce the Nigerian Building Code and its domestication by states governments.
Dr. Opaluwah added that among activities lined up to celebrate the CORBON’s anniversary include a National Seminar and groundbreaking of the Council’s headquarters.
‘”CORBON has consistently performed the various roles in its contribution towardsaddressing national challenges through the building industry”
“These roles include the accreditation of training programmes, capacity building for Industry, issuance or regulations and practice directions,research and development as well as registration and licencing of Builders”
“Recently, CORBON established the Project Evaluation and Monitoring Unit, PEMU to contribute to oversighting of building construction and strengthen the capacity of sub national governments agencies in the monitoring & evaluation of building production processes throughout the country.”
