Architects’ institute inducts 200 new members, urges compliance with building standards

The Architects, Artisans and Construction Managers Institute of Nigeria has inducted more than 200 new members and artisans in Abuja, charging them to uphold professional ethics and ensure strict compliance with approved construction standards.

The induction, which brought together architects, artisans, construction managers and other stakeholders in the building and construction industry, was aimed at strengthening professionalism, competence and accountability among practitioners.

Speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, the President of AICON, Umar Garba, said the admission of the new members marked an important milestone in their professional careers and provided them with an opportunity to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s construction industry.

He urged the inductees to see their membership not merely as recognition of their professional status but as a responsibility to uphold integrity, competence and excellence in their respective fields.

“Membership of AICON comes with the responsibility to uphold professionalism, integrity and excellence in the discharge of your duties,” he said.

He also called on the new members to embrace modern construction methods, improve their technical skills and ensure that safety and quality remained central to every project they handled.

The AICON president said the association would continue to promote capacity building and collaboration among practitioners in the sector, stressing that effective cooperation was critical to delivering safe, durable and sustainable buildings.

He said, “We must work together as professionals and practitioners to ensure that construction projects meet the required standards and that safety is never compromised.”

The ceremony also featured presentations by representatives of the Minister of Works and Housing, Chima Wogu-Ogbonna, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Senator representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, Adamu Aliero.

The dignitaries congratulated the newly inducted members and urged them to use their professional knowledge and experience to contribute to national development.

They emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in the construction industry, particularly in an environment where concerns over building quality, structural integrity and construction-site safety continue to attract public attention.

The representatives further advised the inductees to prioritise quality and safety over short-term financial gains, warning that poor workmanship and disregard for established standards could have serious consequences for lives and property.

They also encouraged the practitioners to continually upgrade their skills and remain abreast of developments in construction technology and industry best practices.

The association said collaboration among architects, artisans, construction managers, engineers and other professionals was necessary to address some of the challenges confronting Nigeria’s built environment.

The emphasis on professional competence comes against the backdrop of recurring concerns over building failures and unsafe construction practices in different parts of the country. Industry stakeholders have consistently identified poor workmanship, use of substandard materials, inadequate supervision and non-compliance with building regulations among factors capable of compromising structural safety.

AICON said strengthening the capacity of practitioners and promoting adherence to approved standards were essential to reversing such trends and restoring public confidence in the construction sector.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to the growth and development of AICON and the wider construction industry.

The award recipients were commended for their support, commitment and contributions to the association’s activities.

The newly inducted members were subsequently presented with certificates, formally marking their admission into AICON and their commitment to the association’s professional values.