CORBON Inducts 436 Builders, Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Unethical Construction Practices

CORBON Inducts 436 Builders, Reaffirms Crackdown on Unethical Construction Practices

The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has formally admitted 436 new professionals into the nation’s construction industry, using the occasion to reinforce its regulatory mandate and issue a firm warning against unethical conduct that threatens safety, quality, and public confidence in the built environment.

Speaking at the 2025 induction ceremony, CORBON Chairman, Dr Samson Opaluwah, said the newly inducted builders had satisfied all statutory requirements under the Builders (Registration) Act, Cap B13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, following years of academic training, professional assessment, and supervised practical experience.

According to Opaluwah, the induction represents more than a professional milestone. It formally places the inductees under a regulated framework that demands accountability, competence, and adherence to nationally approved construction standards.

He noted that registration confers both authority and responsibility, particularly in an industry where professional decisions directly affect lives, assets, and economic value.

Ethics and Safety at the Core of Practice

CORBON used the event to draw attention to persistent structural failures within Nigeria’s construction sector, including recurring incidents of building collapse. Opaluwah described these failures as largely avoidable, stressing that weak compliance with professional ethics and technical standards remains a central challenge.

He emphasised that builders occupy a critical position within the construction value chain and must ensure that projects are delivered in line with safety requirements, durability benchmarks, and sustainability principles.

The chairman stated that public scrutiny of construction professionals has intensified, driven by growing urbanisation and heightened awareness of construction-related risks. As a result, ethical conduct and technical competence have become non-negotiable expectations.

Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement

Reaffirming CORBON’s statutory role, Opaluwah said the council would continue to regulate building practice across Nigeria and apply sanctions where professional misconduct, negligence, or safety compromises are established.

He explained that enforcement remains essential to restoring public trust and strengthening institutional confidence in the construction sector. According to him, disciplinary action is not punitive but corrective, aimed at safeguarding industry standards and protecting end-users.

The council, he added, views regulation as a continuous process that extends beyond registration to monitoring, professional development, and compliance enforcement.

Continuous Learning and Innovation Encouraged

Addressing the inductees directly, CORBON urged them to prioritise ongoing professional education and embrace innovation, particularly as construction methods, materials, and regulatory expectations evolve.

Opaluwah highlighted the importance of aligning professional practice with emerging demands such as sustainable building, climate resilience, and efficient project delivery. He noted that Nigeria’s expanding housing deficit and infrastructure needs require technically sound and ethically grounded professionals.

Builders, he said, must remain responsive to regulatory updates and industry best practices to deliver long-term value across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects.

CORBON also underscored the strategic importance of the building profession to Nigeria’s broader economic and urban development agenda. According to the council, builders operate at the intersection of infrastructure delivery, housing supply, and investment confidence.

Opaluwah stated that responsible building practice contributes to urban stability, asset preservation, and economic productivity, while professional failures impose significant social and financial costs.

He expressed confidence that the newly inducted professionals would uphold the standards of the profession and contribute positively to strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s built environment.

Conclusion

The induction of 436 new builders reinforces CORBON’s commitment to professional regulation at a time when construction quality and safety remain under intense national focus. As Nigeria confronts rapid urban growth and rising infrastructure demand, the council’s emphasis on ethics, accountability, and continuous competence signals a renewed push to align industry practice with public interest and long-term development goals.