Architects welcome Kano demolition of illegal structures, substandard buildings

By Adeola Ajakaiye, in Kano

The Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) has applauded the Kano State government for the demolition of illegal structures and substandard buildings and called for the domestication of the new national building regulations code to rectify the abuses on physical development of the state.

Enyi Ben Ebo, president of the NIA, conveyed the feeling the association when he led the executives of the institute on a courtesy visit to Kano State governor at government house as part of activities heralding the 9th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the institute in Kano 

Ebo said he appreciated what the state government had accomplished in the short time since his assumption of office, noting that what they saw was positive in the sense that as professionals dealing with buildings, their major concern is the compliance with the dictates of the master plan of any building.

“We doff [our] hats to the Kano State government for the giant strides in checking the abuses of physical development and implore the government to domesticate the building code which not only guides professionals in terms of standard but also specifies the process for designing and supervision of buildings.

“It also has compliance forms that ensures that building professionals play their roles and also the provision of the buildings,” Ebo emphasised.

In his response, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who was represented by the chief of staff, Shehu Sagagi, thanked members of the institute for the visit that he described as timely looking at the situation on ground that needed professional guidance to carry the  engagements according to the stipulated guidelines.

Sagagi spoke at length on the rescue missions embarked by the new administration that included provision of food stuffs to boarding secondary schools, evacuation of hundreds of tonnes of refuse, restoration of streets light, demolition of illegal structures and buildings, among others.

He reiterated the commitment of the NNPP’S government in Kano to deliver policies and programmes that were promised during the campaigns for the benefit of the teaming populace, especially youth and women and thanked the NIA for choosing to hold its NEC meeting in the state.