joshuaBuilt Environment Stakeholders Lament High Cost of Building Materials In Nigeria At The Close of Kogi BEBM Exhibitions
Critical Stakeholders in the Built Environment have expressed worries over the high cost of building materials in Nigeria.
They lamented the cost of building and renting of accommodations in various parts of the country, called on Government at all levels to look inward to stem the rising cost of building materials.
They lamented that the importation of most building materials is leading to shortages of housing, called on Government and professionals to look into the use of locally made building materials to stem the danger awaiting the country.
Leading in the discussion, the Executive Director of Kogi Built Environment and Building Materials Exhibitions, Engr Bayode Oladipo, lamented the alarming cost of building in Nigeria as a result of sharp increase in prices of building materials.
Engr. Oladipo who described the development as worrisome, called for the federal government quick intervention to tackle the problem.
They stakeholders made the call at the close of the building materials exhibitions held in Lokoja, between 10th-12th December, 2024.
Engr Bayode said that the call has become necessary inview of the current economic hardships being faced by Nigerians in securing accommodation that is a basic need of life.
Engr. Bayode particularly commended the impact of the West African Ceramics Company, Ajaokuta, on the economic life and wellbeing of the people of Kogi state and Nigeria in general.
He said that the activities of the West African Ceramics have served as a source of relief for the people of Kogi state in the face of the current economic challenges in Nigeria, particularly in job creation and socioeconomic advancement.
According to him “BEBM used this forum to present to the public, a book titled ‘The Impact of West African Ceramics Company on Nigeria’s Growth and Development’ packaged to showcase its benefit to the people.
“At this period of economic hardships, one of the ways out is to encourage made in Nigeria goods. The West African Ceramics tiles are home made products that should be adequately patronize by Nigerians
“We are proud that West African Ceramics tiles have been part of our exhibitions since 2018 to expose their relevance or value as made in Nigeria products. BEBM had demeed it necessary to package a book on the impact of the company towards the development of Kogi and Nigeria at large” the Convener disclosed
He lauded federal government for its support to local production as a way of revamping the nation’s battered economy
He also called on government to extend tax waiver to West African Ceramics tiles to enhance their production, increase their export and other reliefs.
Other speakers like the Architect registration council and the Builders association, said if left uncheck, the looming danger awaiting the country regarding shelter will spell doom for better living and increase insecurity.
” Presently, with the minimum wage, a tenant will need three months salary to rent a single room self contain”, said other classes of accommodation is presently above the reach of income earners.
The 3 day exhibition which is the 6th in the series drew participants from across the country, held at Adrianna Hotel, Lokoja.
