Abuja – December 06, 2023 – Viewpoint Housing News.
Experts in the housing sector have advocated for reforms in the building and housing industries in order to enhance the growth of the real estate sector.
They also emphasised the need to extend the life of this infrastructure by using strict road building techniques and the use of technology.
They made the request during the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) 2023 Annual Lecture and Awards, which had as its topic “Technology as the New Normal in Modern Infrastructure Delivery” and was held in Lagos.
Hakeem Ogunniran, A real estate expert and CEO Eximia realty stated that, key players, including the media, need to pay attention to the Land Use Act and other regulations imposed by the governor that prevent the construction of new residences.
He also asked them to focus on requiring state authorities to expedite the approval and planning processes for housing development, the registration and titling of land, the need for better housing finance and mortgage subsector, the need to stop fraudsters’ activities, and the use of technology to close deficits..
“There is a strong nexus between fostering real estate transparency and strengthening regulatory frameworks. A robust regulatory framework is essential for promoting transparency in the real estate sector.
“Governments and regulatory bodies should enforce strict guidelines and standards for real estate transactions, ensuring compliance with ethical practices and legal requirements. Transparent and enforceable regulations create a level playing field and foster trust among all stakeholders,” he said.
The Sub-Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos, Dr. Olajide Faremi, said there was need for advocacy in the building industry to achieve safe construction, sustainable and economically viable buildings.
Faremi said operators need to promote disruptive technology such as additive manufacturing and robotics, which have positively impacted health, production and management domains.
He stressed the need to bridge housing gaps, curbing incessant collapse of buildings, acute shortage of skilled workforce and transformation of slums to decent housing.
Group Head, Corporate Communication, Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, called on Nigerians, especially professionals in the building industry, to support the use of rigid pavements for road construction.
To him, rigid pavement construction is more durable with a life span of over 40 years as against the 15 years or less for asphalt.
Earlier, the chairperson, Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN), Mrs. Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, said the yearly lecture was recording huge successes, and proffering solutions to issues in the nation’s building sector.
“The PEWAN lecture and awards is an avenue to steer the direction of public discourse on construction matters and volatile environmental issues. It has the objective of inspiring ideas and robust intellectual conversations on issues affecting the built environment and the nation’s economy,” she said.
