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The future of the sustainable built environment in Nigeria is now looking so bright following the unrelenting efforts of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) a prominent national body in the Nigerian building sector that have been using the Archibuilt program as a powerful tool to develop the sector. Archibuilt programs have addressed issues, challenges, sustainability, and the culture of sustainable designs, policies, education, and role of engagement, crisis management and preventive measures like building collapse, government intervention and way forward. The inventive program has also been a pivot of fundamental growth by contributing to the economy of the country through exhibition which is one of the integral parts of economic development.
Through exhibition, archibuilt have created jobs, drive sales by connecting manufacturers to the buyers through the system of exclusive direct marketing trade shows and have created avenue that boosts governmental revenue by bringing together nearly all the stakeholders in the building sector including, both local and foreign investors, contractors, engineers, architects, designers, tech giants etc. over the years, the program have also exposed students and the professionals to the latest trends in the sector, such as latest design trends, process, technology and thriving business ideas through its inclusive international standard knowledge driven seminars and training that are loaded with lots of aren’t taught in school topics designated by the industry’s brightest minds.
According to the World Green Building Council, a sustainable built environment reduces or eliminates negative impacts and creates positive impacts for the natural environment, economies, human health and equity. In line with this understanding, the Nigerian Institute of Architects using Archibuilt as a powerful tool, is championing sustainable and innovative solutions with a difference for our built environment by connecting it with the economy for a sustainable future through stakeholder’s collaboration as a dynamic approach.
Looking back into the previous editions of Arhibuilt over the years, and considering the progress it has made in driving the sector forward, I am ignited with driven interest to write this article. As we look forward to the 2023 edition of this transformative event which will take place from on the 17th to 19th of August 2023, at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel (former Sheraton Hotel Towers ), Wuse, Abuja-Nigeria. With Theme: ‘Driving a Sustainable Economy through the Built Environment,’ with exclusive expectations like: Green Architecture and Circular Economy, Smart Cities and Digital Transformation, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IDP), Affordable Housing and Social Inclusion, Resilient Design and Disaster Risk Reduction, and 2023 NIA Annual Architecture Awards as special feature and many more, let’s have a grasp of the 2022 edition.
Archibuilt and Maiden Infrastructure Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) which is the gathering of stakeholders in the global building sector was held between the 4th and 7th of October 2022 at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja-Nigeria. The annual building materials and construction technical exposition welcomed a surge in attendance. Led by Arc. Enyi Ben-Ebor who was sworn in as the 29th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) in November 2021, the institute organized the last year edition of the event with the theme: “Trends that shape architectural futures.” A functional importance of innovative methods to achieve a greater sustainable future for our built environment while creating exclusive interactive environmental impacts through architecture.
The event was opened by the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who called for collaboration with other professionals in the build environment to boost Nigeria’s infrastructure stock for national development, while talking about the high population growth in Nigeria. Stressing that we need sustainable and innovative infrastructure planning as necessities to curb the implications. Guest speakers at the prestigious event were; Arc. Adeyemo Shokunbi, Arc. Emeja Nwandu, Arc. Posi Lawore and others.
Arc. Enyi Ben-Ebor the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects while appreciating the people that graced the event, in a post on his Facebook page handle (Enyi Ben-Ebor) said, our appreciation goes to the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for gracing the event and declaring it open. Also worthy of appreciation are the Hon. Ministers of Finance, Budget & Planning – Haj. Zainab Ahmed, Mines & Steel Devt. – Arc. Lekan Adegbite, Water Resources – Engr. Suleiman Hussein Adamu and the Honourable Minister of State for Budget & National Planning – Prince Clem Agba.
The Presidents of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Chartered Institute of Taxation, Sierra Leone Institute of Architects and Niger Institute of Architects also deserve appreciation.
Also worthy of appreciation are the President, Vice President, Treasurer & Registrar of ARCON, Executive Secretary TETFUND, BOT and Executive Council members of the Institute and all those who served on the Archibuilt and Infraco planning committees, Fellows and members of the Institute in all categories for the roles you all played in making the event a success.
ArchiBuilt is an annual exhibition-forum organized by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) to continually bring to the fore trends, technologies, systems, and policy issues that impact the building industry’s intervention and responses to everyday living. With the intent of generating the framework for sustainable solutions, the intervention is promoted by architects and broad in its appeal and involvement. ArchiBuilt, an initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) was registered as a corporate venture under ArchiBuilt Development Services Limited (ADSL) and has been trading as such since 2012 according to Archibuilt website.
By MJ Buildace Magazine
