The implementation of smart Technology is being encouraged by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), which is also working to enhance the building sector. These include requiring yearly Professional Development courses for builders, moving training and capacity-building initiatives to online platforms, and working with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide artisan training. Through the use of technology, CORBON seeks to increase the training of assessors and craftsmen in order to promote the general acceptance of these innovations throughout Nigeria. CORBON highlights the necessity for government policies that provide easier access to land for individual homes in order to address the issue of housing affordability.
In order to keep building prices reasonable, the council is also concentrating on developing capacity, supporting the use of regional building materials, and interacting with manufacturers. In addition to encouraging the development of Affordable Housing through contests and partnerships with universities and polytechnics, CORBON encourages research into indigenous materials. In terms of innovation, CORBON is investigating 3D printing technologies for use in residential construction, including partnerships with European businesses to create low-cost mud-printing methods. CORBON is creating National Occupational Standards for craftsmen in rural areas with the goal of improving local building quality via technology-enhanced instruction.
Local manufacture of 3D printers to be set up in Nigeria.
One of CORBON’s long-term objectives is to guarantee that all Nigerians have access to decent, reasonably priced homes. To enhance living conditions and lower the number of building collapses, they are advocating for national housing initiatives, regulatory assistance, and maintenance management. In order to improve living conditions in Nigerian cities, CORBON also intends to take part in urban revitalization initiatives. The Italian printing company and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) have started working together to investigate the application of 3D printing technology in the building industry.
Also, the goal of this partnership is to build with mud instead of concrete, following traditional building methods in Nigeria. CORBON is negotiating to set up local manufacture of 3D printers in Nigeria, despite the exorbitant cost of the equipment. In addition to enabling local governments and individuals to access and use this technology, this would drastically cut expenditures. In an effort to promote inexpensive housing, CORBON has held competitions at colleges and polytechnics to see who can create the cheapest house in Nigeria using only locally sourced materials.
Putting these plans into action is not without its difficulties.
More so, the goals of these contests are to foster creativity and lessen reliance on pricey foreign goods. One effective case study comes from the University of Lagos, where a group used clay and bamboo that were readily available in the area to design a prototype home. Not only did this design win the competition, but it also caught the attention of nearby developers. Stakeholder quotes highlight the projects’ influence even more. One builder taking part in the training sessions, Dr. Olufemi Oke, claims that “the transition to online training has significantly increased our reach, allowing more builders to access vital information without geographic constraints.”
Additionally, trainee Aisha Bello of the National Occupational Standards program said, “The training has given me skills I never thought I could have.” I can now confidently construct high-quality buildings in my neighbourhood. But putting these plans into action is not without its difficulties. The high expense of adopting new technology is one significant barrier that prevents widespread use. In order to combat this, CORBON intends to look for partnerships with the Private Sector and government Subsidies to save costs.
Related Article: Nigeria, Others urged to Adopt Tech Solutions
Traditional builders also exhibit resistance to change, which CORBON tackles by promoting the advantages of new technology and providing ongoing education. In the long run, CORBON’s projects have the potential to completely change Nigeria’s Construction sector. It is anticipated that the use of 3D printing and locally developed materials will reduce building costs and increase housing affordability. Building collapses will be less common thanks to the training programs that will guarantee a qualified workforce capable of upholding high construction standards. In the end, CORBON wants to guarantee that every Nigerian has access to reasonably priced, high-quality housing, greatly raising living standards and promoting sustainable urban growth.