Tonye Oliver Braide
Amid the existing huge deficits in the housing sector, professionals in the built environment have stressed the need for property developers to adopt emerging technologies and construction practices to achieve faster, safer and less expensive housing.
They spoke at the 4th edition of the yearly building, construction and machinery exhibition themed; “Exploring the world of building technology” organized by Buildmacex, which was held in collaboration with some international partners for stakeholders in Nigerian construction sector.
Some of the items exhibited include; fiber cement roofing sheets, Laminated ceiling, the latest in roofing systems use of asbestos, building fire-fighting robots/trucks with telescopic boom system, aerial ladder trucks, and sewage cleaning vehicles. Others include; raised access-flooring devices, stone coated tiles, electrostatic powder and wet painting line equipment, latest PVC windows and doors, elevator equipment and garbage trucks all from building manufacturer experts from Nigeria and the Republic of Turkey.
Present at the gathering includes; President of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA); Tonye Oliver Braide, President of Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB); Kenneth Nduka, President of Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mrs. Iyalode Alaba Lawson, President of Association of Building Consultants and Artisans (ASBAN); Jimmy Oshinubi, Turkey Ambassador to Nigeria; Mr. Hakan Cakil who was represented, among others.
Declaring the event open, the President of Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mrs. Iyalode Alaba Lawson described the gathering as one of the best things that has ever happened to Nigeria in recent times going by quality of building professionals that participated.
According to her, the showcase by the exhibitors would enable Nigerian built experts to synergize with their Turkish counterpart and aggregate ideas on how to adopt technological innovations in solving the nations’ housing challenges. Lawson tasked Nigeria building experts to work out a model, which pave way for constant exchange of idea on the industry between Nigeria and their Turkish counterparts.
At the sideline of the event, NIOB President, Kenneth Nduka explained that with the new technology, houses would become more durable and even better that what is existence before now. According to him, innovation in the housing sector has become an everyday development across the world and Nigeria building experts cannot afford to stand aloof without moving with the train of development.
“Housing can only be affordable when all the technology innovations are put together. Government and every other person have a role to play because the population of Nigeria is on the rise. We still need more housing unit so that everybody would be able to afford one, two or more rooms. What we are more concerned about now is what area is technology focusing? We are talking about something like building finishes and services, cables and pipe laying, construction techniques that would prevent building collapses”.
ASBAN president, Jimmy Oshinubi expressed the readiness of Nigerian artisans to be trained in the use of whatever technological innovation is en-vogue which could boost housing delivery and reduce the stress in the construction process.
Oshinubi also pledged to train Nigerian youths who express interest in artisanship particularly in building construction.
For the Managing Director of Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Limited; Ayodeji Olugbade, who is also the organizer of the event, stated that the yearly gathering has greatly helped Nigerian builders to be globally relevant with regards to innovations/technology that is ever evolving in the real estate sector.
