ARCHITECTS DEMAND QUICK PASSAGE OF BUILDING CODE

The Nigeria Institute of Architects on Thursday demanded accelerated passage of the National Building Code to save Nigerians from the dangers associated with building collapse.

The body maintained that the code, which was prepared five years ago, would serve as a veritable tool for guiding the building industry.

The Chairman, NIA, Kwara State branch, Mr. Olaniyi Adekeye, who made this assertion in Ilorin at the celebration of the institute's 50 years of existence, argued that unless this was done, the society would continue to risk lives in many Nigerian homes.

He explained that when it became operational, the code would help to regulate the activities of quacks that were in the habit of short-changing the quality of buildings constructed in the country.

Adekeye recalled that the recent earthquake that occurred in Haiti would not have been very extensive if the country had enforced construction regulations, adding that Nigeria must be prepared for such eventualities.