At the National Conference on Building and Construction, held at Abuja’s NAF Conference Centre on November 12, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, stood before an attentive audience of Nigeria’s top building professionals, regulators, and industry stakeholders, and advised them on the need to adhere strictly to standard practices.

The event, focused on the theme “Adherence to Standard Practices: The Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building Sector,” provided a platform for intense discussions on a critical issue: the persistent problem of building collapses across Nigeria.

In his opening address, Senator Enoh expressed a sense of urgency, citing recent collapses that have taken lives, damaged property, and eroded public confidence in the sector. He acknowledged that the stakes were high and that this gathering couldn’t have come at a more pressing time.

“This forum couldn’t have come at a better time,” Senator Enoh remarked, his tone both serious and hopeful. He went on to identify core issues—standardization, quality assurance, certification, and regulatory enforcement—as key factors that must be addressed. According to him, these aren’t just technical points; they are essential practices that, if neglected, can have disastrous consequences for communities, families, and the nation at large.

A particular emphasis was placed on the role of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), which operates under the ministry’s guidance. Senator Enoh commended SON for its efforts to improve the quality and safety of buildings, crediting its leadership with strengthening the industry. But he also challenged SON and all present stakeholders to take the initiative a step further. He called for collaboration across all stages of building—from pre-construction planning to post-construction maintenance.

“I am confident that with the competence of SON and its leadership, we can achieve better results in ensuring a safer building and construction industry,” the Minister stated, underscoring the government’s full support for strengthening oversight and advancing safe practices across Nigeria.

Senator Enoh highlighted the commitment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to protecting lives and supporting economic growth, affirming that the effort to prevent building collapses aligned perfectly with the government’s vision for national development and public safety. By making safety and adherence to standards a national priority, he argued, Nigeria would not only save lives but also foster an environment for sustainable economic growth.

He closed with a clear challenge to everyone in attendance: “Let us work together for a safer and more sustainable building industry. With a united effort, we can ensure that the building and construction sector contributes positively to our nation’s growth and prosperity.”

The conference saw participation from prominent figures including Dr. Ifaeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of SON, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, all of whom expressed their commitment to creating a safer, more resilient building industry. The discussions that followed explored solutions and frameworks to combat the root causes of unsafe building practices, marking a renewed chapter in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable, safety-focused development