Lagos: Former President of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Mr. Adesegun Banjoko, says artisans remain relevant to Nigeria’s building sector in spite of advances in building technology. Banjoko made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, highlighting concerns over recent building collapses attributed to the use of low-quality materials and a lack of integrity in the construction industry.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Banjoko emphasized that the problem in the construction sector was not necessarily due to a lack of skills among modern artisans. Rather, he pointed to poor integrity and weak compliance with standards as key issues affecting the construction value chain. He highlighted that modern artisans have benefited from technical schools, government skills acquisition programs, and industry training, making them more skilled and exposed to improved techniques than their predecessors.
Banjoko stressed the importance of effective supervision to ensure that engineers’ designs are properly interpreted and executed by artisans. He recalled that buildings constructed decades ago have remained standing due to strict adherence to standards and effective supervision. He noted that corruption and compromises in the production and use of building materials have weakened the construction sector.
As a member of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Banjoko mentioned the guild’s involvement in training and monitoring activities aimed at reducing building failures. The organization conducts direct training programs for artisans, often in collaboration with private organizations and international partners. Artisans also gain knowledge indirectly by working under experienced professionals who supervise their activities.
Banjoko urged stakeholders to ensure that standards are not compromised at any stage of construction, from the production of materials to their application on building sites. On technology, he noted that the block moulding industry has already begun adopting modern machines and production methods, which have significantly increased production capacity compared to manual methods.
Addressing concerns about the ageing workforce in the block moulding sector, Banjoko dismissed fears of a major skills gap. He explained that younger people are gradually entering the sector, with experienced operators transferring knowledge to the next generation.
Banjoko called on financial institutions and development finance agencies to provide affordable capital to block makers and other small operators in the construction sector. Access to finance, he said, would enable operators to acquire modern equipment, improve productivity, and remain competitive.
He also advocated for stronger efforts to preserve environmentally friendly construction practices. He highlighted traditional building methods that provide natural cooling and ventilation, noting that rapid urbanization, industrial activity, and increasing vehicle emissions have contributed to environmental pollution in cities.
Banjoko urged the Federal Government to attract more cement manufacturers to Nigeria to reduce the price of the commodity. He said increased competition in the cement industry would help expand production capacity and make cement more affordable for builders and developers. He emphasized that cement remains the major bonding material used in construction, and its affordability is critical to preventing building collapses.
Banjoko also called on the government to strengthen quality control across the building materials industry, pointing out that compromises by manufacturers and other stakeholders contribute to structural failures. He noted that some building materials produced today sometimes fall below the required standards as manufacturers and suppliers seek higher profits.