FG pledges to address challenges in construction industry – Permanent Secretary

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Bitrus Nabasu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment in addressing challenges facing the construction industry.
Nabasu said this on Tuesday during a conference organised by Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute in Abuja.
The theme of the conference was ‘Construction Practices in Nigeria: issues, prospects and solutions’.
He said the construction industry was vibrant and characterised by continuous change mainly due to fluctuating dynamics of the economy, which influenced the socio-economic, physical and psychological needs of the average Nigerian.
He said: “The industry though fast growing is faced with lot of challenges and it is yet to attain the desired optional levels in spite of efforts and funds committed to it.
“The theme of this year is apt as it will address critical issues and challenges in the industry and proffer solutions.
“The solutions will enhance performance relevance, innovation and drive a robust environment to fast track socio-economic development in the country.”
He said the conference would ultimately help in addressing some of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goal number nine, which addressed the issue of infrastructure and innovation.
Nabasu, however, urged the institute not to rest on its oars but strive harder towards addressing other critical issues that were begging for solutions in the construction environment of the economy.
The Acting Director General of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna, appealed to the Federal Government to deliberately explore alternative and innovative ways of making available large scale housing stock delivery programmes.
Duna said: “The houses should be cost effective, qualitative, and healthy when in use and hinge on NDH concepts.
“This could be considered in housing programmes, especially in IDP centres and emergency situations across the country.”
Duna also said government should deliberately announce policy that promoted and adopted the use as well as encourage direct patronage of the institute’s innovation in building and roads.
The Chairman, Governing Council of NBRRI, Williams Wadni, said there would be definite and implementable resolution at the end of the conference which would ensure the aims and objectives were achieved.
He said the institute needed more support to reposition its staff strength by being permitted to employ more research officers in the various departments of building, road and engineering materials.
Wadni called on the government through the ministry to continue to provide adequate funding to the institute in order for research and development to strive which in turn would enhance growth and development.