Infrastructure, Backbone Of Nigeria's Economic Growth - NSE

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

R-L: Deputy President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Ali Rabiu presenting a plaque to Council member, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Northcentral, Engr Abubakar Tanko in Abuja on Wednesday. 

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has stated that infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges and other structures are not merely physical entities but the backbone of Nigeria's socio-economic growth and legacy for the future generation. 

This was even as the professional bodies hinted its readiness to adopt stringent measures that would guarantee the use of quality materials in construction projects. 

President of NSE, Engr Margaret Oguntala stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while declaring open a one-day Stakeholders Workshop, organised by the NSE Abuja branch, with the theme, "Quality Assurance of Construction Materials in the FCT".

News Rider reports that the essence of the workshop was to address issues bordering on quality of building materials in order to trim the recurring cases of building collapse. 

Oguntala stated that quality assurance in construction materials is paramount to the integrity and longevity of infrastructures. 

She disclosed that engineers being the custodians of technical guidelines for promoting safety, liability, productivity and efficiency in engineering works are the appropriate community of professionals to forge debate on quality construction materials. 

"The gathering is not just the meeting of minds but the convergence of our collective commitment to ensuring the highest standards in the construction industry, which is fundamental to the sustainable development of Nigeria.

"We are expected to confront the troubling issues that affect the safety and well-being of our people, the integrity of our profession and the future of the built environment," she said.  

The president appreciated NSE Abuja for leading the initiative, saying that there is no end to seeking knowledge for better performance. 

Oguntola, who was represented by the Deputy President of NSE, Engr Ali Rabiu urged all the divisions and branches of NSE to prirotise capacity building to enable them showcase expertise and make advancement in their chosen field of specialisation. 

She announced that the NSE policy which required its divisions to submit at least two papers originating from their national conferences for publication in the NSE technical transaction journal still remains valid. 

The president said: "The opportunity of this event is a time to reflect on our challenges and envision the future of our profession. Let us use this occasion to forge stronger bonds, share knowledge and collectively work towards the advancement of our fatherland. 

"Let us continue to strive for excellence, uphold the highest standard of professionalism and remain committed to the progress and sustainability of our infrastructure and communities." 

Preventable Collapses 

The Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Abuja branch, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh said that the incidences of tragic and preventable building and infrastructure collapse remind Nigerians of the catastrophic consequences of sub-substandard construction materials and practices that plagued the nation.

As stakeholders in the construction industry, Okoh stated that professionals in the built sector have a collective responsibility to ensure that the materials used in  construction projects are of the highest quality and meet all safety standards.

"Quality construction materials are the bedrock of any sustainable and safe built environment. They determine the durability, safety, and resilience of our buildings and infrastructure. 

Inadequate quality control not only leads to structural failures but also endangers lives, erodes public trust, and results in significant economic losses," he added. 

The chairman pointed out that the insights and recommendations generated from the conversation would be instrumental in shaping the future of construction standards in the FCT and fostering public confidence. 

He appreciated the panelists, NBRRI, guests, sponsors and members of the planning committee for their commitment toward the success of the programme.