The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Dr. Samson Opaluwah, has said that Nigeria’s prosperity depends heavily on the growth and sustainability of its construction industry.
Speaking at the 69th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) held on Wednesday in Abuja, Opaluwah described the construction sector as “the lifeblood of our nation’s aspirations, transforming national visions into tangible realities.”
He commended FOCI for nearly seven decades of contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructural growth, noting that its work has gone beyond roads and buildings to shaping the very foundations of national progress.
“Your sustained commitment has not just been about constructing infrastructures but about building the very foundations of our national progress and prosperity. Today’s gathering is a powerful testament to that enduring vision,” he said.
Opaluwah highlighted the industry’s role as one of Nigeria’s largest employers, impacting multiple sectors including housing, healthcare, transport, and education.
He stressed that collaboration between CORBON and FOCI was essential for advancing professionalism and setting standards.
“While CORBON ensures the regulation of professional building practices and the promotion of ethical and quality standards, FOCI remains a definitive reference point for sustained excellence in the Nigerian construction industry,” he noted.
He also drew attention to the synergy created through their joint membership in the Sector Skills Council for Building in Nigeria (SSCBIN). According to him, this platform has positioned both bodies at the heart of skills development by aligning training with industry needs.
He praised FOCI’s establishment of the FOCI Skills Academy (FSA), calling it “an example of how industry-led initiatives can effectively address the country’s critical skills gap, ensuring that our workforce is highly competent and ready for the future.”
Looking ahead, the CORBON Chairman urged the industry to embrace innovation, sustainability, and technology as pillars for future growth.
“Embrace green building practices, leverage smart construction technologies, and adopt digital tools to build a more resilient and efficient Nigeria,” he said, adding that FOCI was uniquely placed to lead this transformation.
He further emphasised that training, professionalization, and technological adaptation would not only raise industry standards but also secure the nation’s economic future.
“Each project completed, each standard set and met, each skill developed is a brick in the foundation of Nigeria’s prosperity,” Opaluwah stated.
The 69th AGM brought together stakeholders across Nigeria’s construction sector to discuss strategies for advancing the industry amid changing global and local demands.
