Ahmed Dangiwa, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has urged the newly inaugurated members of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to uphold professional standards and prioritise delivering quality outcomes.
Addressing the inauguration of the 14th Council in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Dangiwa stressed the significance of adhering to professional standards in the field of architecture.
“The Architects Registration Act, Chapter A19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, heralded by Decree Number 10 of 1969, mandates the Council to determine what standards of knowledge and skills persons seeking to become members of the architectural profession need to attain. The Act also empowers the Council to raise those standards from time to time as circumstances may permit.”
“ARCON was created as a policy making organ of government to help in promoting the development and growth of the Architectural profession in the country. This is because the government recognised the need to regulate and maintain standards in the built environment, which is a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
Dangiwa called upon the council members to set aside past conflicts and differences, emphasising collaboration to enhance the prospects of the architecture profession in the country.
He stated, “I charge you to your nomination as a call to service. Each of you must strive in the conduct of this assignment to be selfless, professional, above board and focused on the interest of the profession, the country and teeming Architects in our country. You should consider it an honour and privilege to be chosen out of many equally qualified and outstanding Architects to serve as a Council member.”
“This distinction and your nomination come with high responsibility, and you must be alive to the expectations of the architectural profession and the trust bestowed upon you and be ready to contribute meaningfully towards policies that will promote and enshrine standards and quality in the housing sector.”
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, highlighted the necessity for synergy and adherence to best practices among council members in executing their responsibilities.
Similarly, Umar Murnai, the council’s registrar, noted that the inauguration aimed to address industry professionals’ challenges. Murnai urged disgruntled members to collaborate for the profession’s advancement, assuring the Minister of Housing and Urban Development of the council’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and improving upon shortcomings to elevate the architectural profession in Nigeria.
