The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has inducted 436 newly registered builders into the construction industry, charging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and public safety as they begin their careers.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 25th Induction Ceremony, the chairman of CORBON, Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah, said the event marked the successful completion of years of rigorous academic and practical training by the inductees.
“Today, we celebrate the culmination of years of dedication, rigorous academic and practical training by these four hundred and thirty-six inductees who have successfully navigated the stringent processes to become Registered Builders,” Opaluwah said.
He noted that the inductees were registered in line with the Builders (Registration, etc.) Act Cap B13 LFN 2004, stressing that they had been found competent to practise as builders in Nigeria.
“It is my honour and privilege to state here that they have been found competent to practise as Builders in Nigeria,” he declared.
Opaluwah described the building profession as one that lies at the foundation of national development, noting that every construction project carries a responsibility to protect lives and property.
“Every building project bears a profound responsibility to safeguard public safety and uphold the principles of sound, sustainable and high-quality construction,” he said.
The CORBON chairman expressed concern over the challenges confronting the construction industry, particularly the recurring incidents of building collapse across the country. According to him, these incidents have intensified calls for professionalism and ethical practice in the built environment.
“In recent times, the clamour for professionalism and ethical practice has never been louder, especially in light of recurring unfortunate yet avoidable collapse incidents in the industry,” he stated.
He disclosed that the Federal Government recently strengthened the regulatory framework for the profession through the publication of two key regulations in the Official Gazette: the Operational Regulations for Builders’ Practice in Nigeria and the Regulations for Health and Safety on Building Sites in Nigeria.
“These regulations aim to establish standards for builders’ practice across Nigeria, ensure that only qualified professionals operate in the industry, and ultimately curb the menace of quackery in our nation,” Opaluwah explained.
Addressing the inductees directly, he reminded them that registration was more than a professional title, but a lifelong commitment to excellence and public service.
“Your registration does not merely confer a title; it signifies a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, competence and public safety,” he said.
He charged the new builders to see themselves as custodians of safety and quality in the construction industry.
“You are expected to function as the guardians of public safety in buildings, the torchbearers of excellence in project delivery, and the innovators poised to deliver sustainable solutions to the housing needs of society,” Opaluwah added.
The CORBON chairman also urged the inductees to embrace innovation and emerging opportunities within the sector, including developments in gas reticulation for buildings under the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme and the growing integration of technology into building systems.
“As newly registered builders, you must be prepared to embrace innovation and align with global best practices,” he said.
While congratulating the inductees, Opaluwah warned that the Council would not tolerate unethical or unprofessional conduct among registered builders.
“The Council will not hesitate to enforce discipline against any registered builder found to engage in unethical or unprofessional conduct,” he warned, noting that the Registered Builders Disciplinary Tribunal remains active to sanction erring members.
He concluded by thanking members of the Council, the Training and Registration Committee, the Registrar and CORBON staff for their efforts in ensuring a successful ceremony.
The event was attended by government officials, industry stakeholders, and members of the media, marking another milestone in CORBON’s efforts to strengthen professionalism and public safety in Nigeria’s construction industry.
