Abuja – January 4, 2024 – Viewpoint Housing News.
The Nigeria Institute of Architecture (NIA) and the Federal Government has been encouraged to adopt policies that would encourage the use of local materials and sustainable building practices.
This was stated by Tokunbo Omisore, a trustee of the Africa Union of Architects (AUA), during the NIA’s 63rd annual general meeting in Abuja, where he also received the institute’s Gold Medal Award.
Omisore pointed out that, the Federal Government and NIA could work together to develop building codes that promote the use of economical and ecologically friendly construction techniques, as well as to offer incentives for projects that prioritise locally sourced materials and sustainable designs.
He said that by using these tactics, Sub-Saharan Africa—led by the NIA—would address the issues surrounding imported architectural materials and therefore advance self-sufficiency, affordability, and sustainability in the region’s building and design industries.
In order to increase employment, boost foreign exchange, and strengthen the economy, he encouraged the government to support building materials made in Nigeria, offer incentives to producers, and discourage taxes on imported goods.
Omisore stated that in order to reduce poverty, Africa should promote domestic purchasing of its requirements through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) accord.
He bemoaned the fact that Africans, especially Nigerian architects, “have been complicit in promoting a culture of buying what we cannot afford.” The specifications of materials and components that are imported rather than created locally are frequently used to evaluate our beloved structures. These are things we can have, but they are out of our price range.
“If we keep buying things that are beyond our means, our financial situation will not get better,” he declared.
Using the occasion, the former president of the AUA acknowledged the achievements of renowned Nigerian architect Demas Nwoko, who championed indigenous architecture. “This year, the Arts and Architecture World celebrated our own Demas Nwoko as the recipient of the Lifetime Gold Award at the 18th Venice Biennial, which took place this year.
“This prestigious award recognises and promotes affordable and indigenous Afrocentric architecture. We can afford to prioritise such architecture, but we hesitate to invest in it.
