In an exclusive interview, Dr. Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), shares innovative strategies to tackle Nigeria’s housing challenges through smart technology and sustainable practices.
CORBON’s Initiatives for Smart Technology Adoption in Nigeria’s Building Industry
Dr. Opaluwah outlines CORBON’s multi-faceted approach to integrating smart technologies in the Nigerian building sector:
- Digitalization of Training and Capacity Building:
- Transition from hardcopy processes to online platforms
- Remote access to training programmes and professional development courses
- Annual mandatory capacity building for license renewal
- Artisanal Level Training:
- Collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
- Establishment of licensed training centres nationwide
- Introduction of technology-driven training and assessment methods
- Material Innovation:
- Promoting competitions for cost-effective, locally sourced building materials
- Addressing the high costs associated with land acquisition and imported materials
- Centralised Training Hub:
- Establishment of COPRESS (CORBON Professional Resources) for remote capacity building
Making Affordable Housing a Reality for Low-Income Earners
Dr. Opaluwah emphasises the critical role of government policies in ensuring affordable housing.
- Advocating for easier access to land for citizens
- Proposing differentiated land access policies based on intended use (personal, investment, or industrial-scale projects)
- Calling for imaginative, citizen-responsive policies to address housing needs
Strategies to Address Nigeria’s Housing Deficit
CORBON is implementing several strategies to tackle the housing shortage, including:
- Comprehensive Capacity Building:
- Training at all levels of the building ecosystem
- Ensuring quality delivery across various building scales
- Promotion of Indigenous Building Materials:
- Supporting research into local materials
- Encouraging the use of cost-effective, sustainable alternatives
- Engagement with Building Product Manufacturers:
- Advocating for affordable pricing strategies
- Balancing manufacturer profitability with consumer accessibility
- Collaboration with Building Ecosystem Stakeholders:
- Coordinating efforts to improve housing production
- Encouraging innovative, cost-reducing Indigenous technologies
- Support for Government Initiatives:
- Endorsing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope housing programme
- Advocating for the involvement of registered builders to ensure quality and sustainability
Partnerships for Innovation in the Building Sector
CORBON is actively pursuing collaborations to drive innovation.
- Exploring 3D printing technology for housing construction
- Engaging with European partners, particularly in Italy, for mud-based 3D printing solutions
- Investigating possibilities for the local production of 3D printing equipment
Leveraging Technology for Rural Housing Development
CORBON’s approach to increasing access to affordable housing in rural communities includes:
- Comprehensive Artisan Training:
- Developing National Occupational Standards for 11 Building Trades
- Implementing a three-level certification system
- Localised skill development:
- Aiming to train artisans in every local government area
- Using technology for remote training and competency assessment
- Community-Based Initiatives:
- Proposing volunteer programmes for newly trained artisans
- Demonstrating local building capacity through the maintenance of government buildings
Long-Term Vision and Objectives
Dr. Opaluwah outlines CORBON’s ambitious goals:
- Providing quality, affordable, and comfortable accommodation for every Nigerian
- Improving existing housing through effective maintenance management
- Contributing to urban renewal projects for sustainable living environments
By leveraging smart technology, promoting local materials, and focusing on skill development, CORBON aims to significantly impact Nigeria’s housing sector, addressing the deficit while ensuring quality and sustainability.