The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has made a staggering revelation about the profession's massive economic impact on the nation's economy, with architectural activities contributing over six trillion naira annually to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product.
Massive Economic Impact Revealed
Outgoing NIA President, Mrs. Mobolaji Adeniyi, disclosed that the architectural profession contributes N6.17 trillion to Nigeria's GDP, representing approximately six percent of the nation's total economic output. She made this announcement during the 65th Biennial General Assembly Meeting, Conference, Exhibition and Election of new executives for the Institute held in Abuja.
Adeniyi emphasized that no developing nation can achieve meaningful infrastructural development without relying heavily on its architects. She pointed to global examples where architectural excellence has driven economic transformation, particularly citing Dubai's remarkable development story.
Architecture as Economic Driver
"The profession contributes to 6 percent of the GDP, representing N6.17 trillion," the NIA President stated. "There is no developing nation in the world that does not depend on its architects. All over the world, what drives the economy is architecture - look at Dubai."
She elaborated further on the Dubai example, explaining that "what is driving the economic growth of Dubai? I can tell you people for free, it is architecture. This is the tourism industry. And what drives the tourism industry? It is the architecture."
The architectural sector also creates massive employment opportunities, particularly for artisans and professionals within the built environment, making it a significant contributor to job creation and economic stability.
Addressing Building Collapse Concerns
Responding to the persistent issue of building collapses across Nigeria, Adeniyi urged builders, estate developers, and governments at all levels to always engage registered professional architects for their projects.
"One of the first things is that we as architects are ensuring that only registered architects are employed and used on our projects," she declared. "When one has a registered professional being the head of a team on a building project, you can be sure that you will have no compromises that may lead to building collapse."
Incoming President Sani Saulawa reinforced this position, stating that the Institute has never recorded any building collapse involving its registered members. He emphasized their commitment to maintaining professional standards and creating awareness among stakeholders about adhering to ethical practices in the built environment.
Saulawa also addressed the problem of unlicensed individuals practicing architecture, warning that "they don't have any background in any of the built environment-related professions, but because they just see it as an avenue to make money through construction, they just dabble into it without knowing the codes, the rules, regulations; that must stop."
He confirmed that preliminary investigations at most building collapse sites reveal the absence of registered NIA members overseeing such projects, highlighting the critical need for professional involvement in construction activities across Nigeria.
