Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi is the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA). In this interview with Daily Trust, she advocates massive investment in local building materials as alternative to the imported varieties and toward crashing the rise in costs among other issues.
The cost of building materials is a major concern in the property sector. What would you proffer towards reaping the benefits therein?
The rising cost of building materials is a significant challenge that limits affordable housing and infrastructural development in Nigeria. Reviving the Building Research and Development Agency could be a game-changer.
By making the agency more relevant to industry needs and attracting investment, Nigeria can boost the mass production of building materials. To tackle this, we need to focus on increasing the availability and use of local materials; relying on imported materials increases costs due to foreign exchange volatility.
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How can this be done?
Promoting and encouraging local manufacturing of building materials will help to reduce importation costs and increase the availability of these materials.
Also, promoting indigenous materials such as bamboo, compressed earth blocks, and locally sourced stones would help reduce reliance on imports and cut costs.
Additionally, encouraging research and development in alternative materials, as well as investing in local production facilities would stabilise prices and make materials more accessible.
What do you see as the most pressing challenges to architects currently in Nigeria?
Architects in Nigeria face multiple challenges, including inflated materials costs, limited access to finance, and professional marginalisation, where non-licensed individuals take on architectural roles.
Regulatory inconsistency further complicates project approvals, causing delays and sometimes discouraging clients from engaging architects.
Are there particular strategies or solutions you have in mind for overcoming those obstacles?
Yes, we have identified several practical strategies to overcome these challenges. To address professional marginalisation, we are working to strengthen our regulatory frameworks, ensuring that only qualified architects manage architectural roles.
In terms of promoting local materials, we are exploring partnerships with local manufacturers to encourage the use of Nigerian-made materials, thereby reducing costs associated with imports.
Additionally, we are advocating for loan facilities and financing options tailored to architects and small construction firms, which will enable more affordable project financing.
How do you see technology shaping the future of architecture in Nigeria?
Technology is undoubtedly transforming architecture globally, and Nigerian architects are staying ahead by embracing these advancements. Building Information Modelling (BIM), virtual reality, and green building technologies are critical to designing and constructing efficient, sustainable structures.
The NIA is prioritising training in these technologies, enabling architects to provide world-class services that reflect innovation and sustainability while also driving down costs through efficiency. Recently, the NIA endorsed an Artificial intelligence (AI) training (Mid-journey) which was organised by a team of architects to train architects about AI in architecture.
What specific goals and initiatives do you plan to prioritise during your tenure as the president of the institute?
My tenure is deeply rooted in the UNITE agenda; a comprehensive framework that covers five pillars: Unity, Non-negotiable Integrity, Inclusivity and mentorship, Total Integration and Empowerment.
A top priority is to create mentorship programmes tailored to young architects, particularly in Afrocentric and sustainable designs, which align with our cultural identity and environmental needs.
This is reflected in the Young Architects Forum (YAF) – a brilliant initiative that was established on my assumption of office as the president of NIA.
As the second female president of the NIA, how do you intend to promote diversity and inclusion within the field of architecture?
Architecture in Nigeria is enjoying inclusivity across age, gender and professional backgrounds. Both in NIA and ARCON, we have a representation of males and females, the younger and older generations, and architects from diverse fields, including academia, practice, public service and politics.
To strengthen this inclusivity, we are launching programmes aimed at mentoring young architects and supporting women in architecture.
In the same vein, scholarships, capacity-building workshops, and training opportunities will be created for under-represented groups, making the profession accessible to all demographics.
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