The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has urged stakeholders in the construction industry to adopt digital technologies and strengthen professional supervision to prevent building failures. This call was made by the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of NIOB, Mr. Rasheed Owolabi, at a press briefing in Lagos. The briefing was held ahead of the 2026 Lagos Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting.
The 2026 Lagos Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Smart Building Processes in the Digital Age: Procurement, Monitoring, Control and Quality Management for Sustainable Construction,” will examine practical ways to improve construction delivery. According to Owolabi, the rapid transformation of the construction industry makes it essential for professionals to deploy technology in project procurement, monitoring, control, and quality management.
Owolabi highlighted various technologies that can improve construction processes and project delivery, including Building Information Modelling, drones, digital documentation, and remote monitoring systems. However, he emphasized that technology alone does not guarantee a successful project. Instead, smart construction must be matched with professional competence, effective supervision, proper quality management, regulatory compliance, and accountability.
The upcoming conference will focus on how digital systems can enhance transparency and accountability in procurement, provide better visibility of construction progress, and strengthen cost and project management. Owolabi stressed that technology should support quality assurance and control while ensuring that professional judgment and responsibility remain central to construction delivery.
Engaging qualified and registered professionals is crucial for the safety, quality, and integrity of buildings, according to Owolabi. He advised developers, property owners, and members of the public to engage appropriately qualified professionals, particularly registered builders, in building production and construction management. The chairman’s message is simple: “Be Wise, Build Right, Engage a Registered Builder.”
NIOB Lagos will continue to engage government agencies, regulators, professional bodies, developers, and other stakeholders to improve building production and construction standards in the state. Owolabi called for greater collaboration among government, regulators, professionals, developers, technology providers, and academia to promote safe, transparent, and sustainable construction practices.
The two-day conference will be held on October 7 and 8 at the Podium Event Centre, Lagos. The event will provide an opportunity to develop practical responses to challenges confronting the industry and ensure that technology enhances professionalism rather than replaces it.
Key points
- NIOB calls for digital construction and stronger supervision to curb building failures in Nigeria.
