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By Nasir Kura
President Muhammadu Buhari said Tuesday that those responsible for the incessant building collapses across the country would face the full wrath of the law for professional negligence.
Receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity S urveyors (NIQS) led by Mr Obafemi Onashile, the president said the recent tragic incident in Lagos, and many others were reminders of the need to strictly adhere to quality standards on construction projects.
‘‘Young innocent lives must never be lost due to incompetence and greed. Simply put, no corners must be cut. I want to assure you that those responsible for such incidents of professional negligence will feel the full wrath of the law,’’ he said.
He also welcomed recommendations and suggestions from the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors on how to enhance the construction industry, and directed the institute to make a formal submission to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing as soon as possible.
The president, again, thanked Nigerians for clearly expressing their desire to move the nation forward.
‘‘Let me start by thanking you for your kind prayers. Nigerians have clearly spoken of their desire for the country to move forward. On our part, we remain committed to the Change Agenda. By the grace of God, and with your continued prayers and support, the dark days of impunity are gone for good,’’ he said.
The president used the occasion to highlight the administration’s achievements in stimulating the economy in the past three years, saying growing the nation’s economy means ‘‘national growth must impact the silent majority.’’
‘‘This is why in the past three years; we focused on key job-creating sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure development. You will all recall that our agriculture and infrastructure programmes contributed to our exit from recession. This is a clear example of how, if we push ‘inclusive’ job-creating policies, growth will follow. We will remain committed to these and other programmes to ensure the success of our nation is felt by the majority of Nigerians,’’ he said.
In his remarks, president of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) Mr Obafemi Onashile appealed to the federal government to create a Directorate of Quantity Surveying and Projects Costs Management to address the issue of unclear delineation of professional functions amongst construction professions within the government.
He also made a case for quantity surveyors to be mandated and allowed to undertake cost management of projects of all forms on behalf of government, among others.
While congratulating the president on his well-deserved re-election, the institute expressed its support and ‘‘total confidence in his administration and leadership direction which have brought hope, progress and stability to Nigeria.’’
A highpoint of the visit was the conferment of the Fellowship Grade of the NIQS – the highest cadre of membership – on the president Buhari.
The president was also honoured with the ‘‘Life Champion of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria’’ award.
