Joseph Bakare
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the National Assembly would work towards strengthening the Public Procurement Act to ensure that only registered architects participate in government-funded projects.
The Speaker said this has become necessary in view of “the challenges highlighted by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, particularly the proliferation of unregistered practitioners, the influx of foreign firms bypassing statutory partnerships, and the underrepresentation of architects in public procurement and urban policy formulation.
“These issues undermine quality, safety, and the cultural relevance of our built environment,” Speaker Abbas noted, adding that the Parliament was committed to creating an enabling environment for all professionals to thrive.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said the Speaker stated this on Wednesday night when he was conferred with the honourary Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA) by the Governing Council of the Institute led by the NIA President, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi.
At the event, former president, Goodluck Jonathan, and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, were also conferred with the Fellowship of the NIA.
Abbas paid tributes to the Nigerian architects, “whose vision shapes our nation’s built environment. Architecture, as both art and science, embodies our shared values of transparency, inclusivity, and progress.”
He said, “This recognition underscores the shared mission of the legislature and architecture: to build environments where citizens can engage, prosper, and live with dignity.
“Under my leadership, the 10th House of Representatives has considered over 2,000 bills since June 2023, including critical legislation such as the establishment of the Nigeria Climate Change Fund and amendments to the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission Act. These initiatives reflect our commitment to resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban development, and a greener future.
“The Federal Government’s promise to deliver 20,000 affordable housing units nationwide and revitalise 26 pilot communities through urban renewal underscores this commitment.
I am aware of the challenges highlighted by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, particularly the proliferation of unregistered practitioners, the influx of foreign firms bypassing statutory partnerships, and the underrepresentation of architects in public procurement and urban policy formulation.
“These issues undermine quality, safety, and the cultural relevance of our built environment. To address these challenges, the National Assembly will work to strengthen the Public Procurement Act to ensure that only registered architects participate in government-funded projects.
“We are also committed to empowering oversight committees to enforce professional registration and building codes effectively. Furthermore, we intend to appropriate necessary resources for continuous professional development, capacity building, and research collaborations.
“Our engagement will extend to convening public hearings with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and the Ministry of Housing to resolve regulatory conflicts and ensure meaningful cooperation between local and foreign firms.
“I truly believe that we can create a partnership that respects our architectural heritage while also promoting sustainable development throughout Nigeria.”