NIOB Seeks Stronger Collaboration with Borno State Housing Corporation

By Abubakar Mala Gajibo 

The Nigerian Institute of Building has paid a courtesy visit to the General Manager of the Borno State Housing Corporation to reaffirm collaboration in the housing and construction sector.

Chairman of the institute, Auwal Farigida said both organizations operate within the construction industry and share common goals aimed at improving the built environment in the state.

He explained that discussions during the visit centered on strengthening partnership and collaboration, particularly in the areas of technical support, quality assurance, and safety of construction works and workers.

According to him, the institute pledged to provide professional assistance to the corporation whenever required, especially on issues relating to construction standards and safety measures.

The chairman noted that the main objective of the visit was to emphasize the need for continuous cooperation among stakeholders in order to promote development and ensure a better environment for the people.

Speaking further, Auwal Farigida commended the infrastructural transformation taking place in Borno State under the leadership of Babagana Umara Zulum.

He observed that despite years of insecurity, Maiduguri now reflects significant development with modern structures and improved infrastructure, which he described as evidence that Borno is regaining its status.

The chairman added that the institute would continue to work closely with government ministries, agencies, and corporations to ensure greater productivity and professionalism in the building industry across the state.

Responding, the General Manager of the Borno State Housing Corporation, Engr. Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Abba reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to collaborating with professional bodies to improve housing development in the state.

Engr. Abdullahi Muhammad Abba , who said he assumed office about two months ago, described the Housing Corporation as a building-based organization that depends greatly on the contributions and partnership of professionals in the construction industry.

According to him, the role of builders remains critical in ensuring quality and sustainable housing delivery, stressing that the corporation would continue to work closely with the NIOB to provide accessible and affordable housing for the people of Borno State.

The General Manager also called for stronger collaboration among other professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, noting that every successful building project requires teamwork among builders, engineers, architects, and other experts.

Engr. Abdullahi said the corporation remains open to partnerships with all relevant professional organizations to enhance productivity and support the infrastructural development agenda of the Borno State Government.

Speaking during the visit, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Engr Samadun , emphasized the importance of involving professional builders in housing and construction projects to ensure quality delivery and durability.

He said the visit to the Borno State Housing Corporation became necessary because builders play a critical role in ensuring that construction projects are executed according to standard specifications, within the required time, cost, and safety measures.

According to him, builders are among the key professionals that must be involved from the design stage to project implementation, noting that they supervise construction activities to ensure that projects meet the expected quality and safety standards.

Samandu explained that the absence of professional builders at construction sites often results in poor implementation, wastage of resources, safety challenges, and structures failing long before their expected lifespan.

He stressed that involving professional builders in construction projects would help address issues relating to cost management, quality assurance, safety compliance, and proper execution of projects from conception to completion.

He added that the institute would continue to engage ministries, parastatals, and other organizations on the need to involve professional builders in construction activities to avoid future structural and infrastructural problems.

The visit ended with a group photograph involving members of the Nigerian Institute of Building and management staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation.