NIA chairman plans architects’ property cooperative initiative

Poised to ensure its members are homeowners in Lagos state, the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) has indicated its readiness to begin the process of providing homes for its members through Lagos Architects Property Cooperative Initiative.

Fitzgerald Umah, the newly re-elected Lagos NIA chairman dropped the hint after his re-election last week in Lagos.

This, according to him, was one of the projects, Umah promised to bring to the front burner with a view to moving the institute forward.

While encouraging architects to be part of the housing initiative, Umah said, he and his excos would start the process of developing the Lagos Architects Property Cooperative, being part of the efforts at ensuring that architects in the chapter own properties of their own.

He also stated that they will continue to review the professional intervention programme document, which has already been sent to the government for assent, so that only qualified and registered professionals in the built industry are in charge of all the projects in the construction industry; adding that they would curb building collapse, generate revenue for the state government and further ensure professionals are paid their fees.

Other programmes, which the new excos set out to accomplish include: construction of the E-Library in partnership with other professionals such as educational institutions; making sure the chapter embarks on its first European architectural tour; commence the development of the NIA Lagos chapter secretariat.

For the students’ affairs, the chairman disclosed that they hope to continue the student competition, which started last year.

Time around, Umah said that NIA would be broadening its scope and increase incentives for students to stimulate increased participation. Winners, he said, would be interns in selected architectural firms.

In addition, he remarked that the scope of the Lagos Architects Forum (LAF), would be expanded to involve more foreign participation for true technology transfer.

While giving accounts of his stewardship for the last two years, he indicated that the chapter has grown in membership and participated in all national programmes of the built environment; the cooperative of the Institute, he said, has been revived and their goal is to commence the development of properties fully owned by members who are contributors to it. Though, according to him, this might take a while.

Some other promises, on which he delivered-on, on assumption of his first tenure, he noted are visitations to schools of architecture within their catchment areas to encourage students and interacting with architects in the academia.

“In this tenure, we instituted students’ competitions to inspire and develop students design skills. There have been two series of students’ competitions with University of Lagos winning the first edition and Obafemi Awolowo University winning the second. We have also increased the number of students’ membership registration vastly in the last two years.

“LAF has been rebranded and redefined and the content has been broadened. The programme witnessed a significant increase in exhibitors, evidenced by the sale of 98 per cent of available booths, registered participants of about 2,500 in attendance and an enviable increase in revenue.

This year’s programme attracted more international speakers with Nigerian origins and the focus was on rejuvenating our local architecture through continuous education.”

Umah hinted that the document for the professional intervention programme has been sent to the Lagos State government and is still undergoing review, and as stated previously, he is encouraging all architects to support the programme, which is intended to bring a positive change in the industry.

As for the NIA Lagos Chapter Property Development, he said they have currently valued the land and are considering various options, from joint venture developments to self-development or sale. He noted that they had set up a competition programme for students, firms and individuals to come up with viable.

“While we could not complete the process during our tenure, it is our hope that the incoming excos ride on the progress made to achieve a befitting developmental or investment decision.”

Credit: Independent