At a discussion panel held in Lagos by ArchVision Workgroup titled “Enhancing quality management in project delivery,” the Chief Executive Officer of Construction Kaiser Limited, Mr. Igbuan Okaisabor, stated that there is a demand for enhanced training and a shift in the industry in terms cultural norms in order to develop quality management in the delivery of the project. At the forum, crucial issues, including people management, retention, attrition, and the cost of quality, were discussed, as well as persistent skill shortages, quality processes and procedures in building, control and monitoring systems, and more.
According to Okaisabor, in order to reduce the amount of inefficiency that occurs during the delivery of the project, professionals need to adopt the appropriate attitude. The culture of construction workers has an impact on the quality of projects. Workers from other countries do outstanding work because they were raised to produce high-caliber results consistently. It is imperative that quality be instilled in the country’s culture; otherwise, they may be forced to continue to source their products from world-class artisans. He stated that they require training in the building industry as well as additional development of their skills.
The construction industry now experiences a workforce shortage.
Mr. Odunayo Lawani, ArchVision Workgroup Chief Executive Officer/Lead Consultant, stated quality management challenges have made the construction industry in the country need a new beginning. He remarked that the construction industry has a severe talent deficit, which is not highlighted due to the economic slowdown, and that a surge may cause a skilled workforce dilemma. Lawani added that it would become obvious since companies have so much building work, but very few artisans are available due to the widespread migration of employees abroad. Currently, migration’s effects are not visible in the construction industry, unlike the medical and banking sectors.
In order to prevent young people from finishing school and leaving the country, he said, the industry’s potential needs to be promoted more effectively, making it appealing to the younger generation To which he extended Common attitudes in this country include a lack of patience at the office and a disregard for details throughout project delivery. Because of this, companies in the sector would do well to adopt a new strategy, such as developing a company culture that places a premium on quality management and pays close attention to the smallest of details.
Younger generations need to be encouraged to work at construction firms.
Furthermore, According to Diran Akerele, a partner at Consultants Collaborative Partnership (CCP), problems in the construction sector can be either internal or external, with the latter category including external factors such as the government and regulatory bodies. Akerele, who is an architect, stated that if the correct personnel are not bred from institutions, this will hinder the industry’s quality and growth. Some companies are dissatisfied because the personnel they train quit their jobs. Therefore industry must make a stand, reach closer to institutions, and stand out.
Also, Mr. Olusesan Phillips, who represented the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) chairman, stated that the organization would strive to boost advocacy, particularly in reference to the trained professionals departing the nation. He stated that the institute has been holding workshops and seminars in order to make certain that qualified workers are being replaced as they leave the organization. According to Olusesan, NIOB is actively recruiting new members, providing them with training, and screening their applicants to guarantee that only qualified individuals are sent out on construction projects.
The available workforce in the industry needs to be focused on.
Lastly, Mr Oludayo Uansohia, an architect working at Building Design Workshop Nigeria Limited, emphasized that it was evident that there is talent migration in the country. He said this while pointing out that the issue has been going on for quite some time. On the other hand, he stated that there was a necessity to concentrate on the already available workforce, to persuade people to work in the construction company and offer sufficient training and compensation to those workers.
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