Better Buildings Can Create Safer Communities – CORBON

The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Samson Ameh Opaluwah, has said that adopting better building practices and sustainable construction methods is critical to creating safer, more resilient communities across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 3rd Environmental Design Conference (EDCON) on Tuesday, organised by the Faculty of Environmental Design of Ahmadu Bello University, Opaluwah stressed that the future of Nigerian communities depends on decisions made today regarding planning, design, construction and resource utilisation.

Delivering the keynote address themed, “Reimagining Sustainable Futures: Exploring Innovative and Integrated Designs for Eco-Friendly and Resilient Communities,” the CORBON chairman warned that climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth, environmental degradation and infrastructure deficits continue to place immense pressure on cities and communities.

According to him, sustainable construction systems that emphasise durability, resource efficiency and environmental stewardship are essential for addressing these challenges and safeguarding communities against environmental and socio-economic shocks.

“The future of construction in Nigeria must embrace green building principles, circular economy concepts, climate-responsive architecture and resilient infrastructure systems capable of adapting to environmental and socio-economic changes,” he said.

Opaluwah noted that resilient design and construction strategies are necessary to withstand flooding, extreme heat, erosion and other climate-related disasters that increasingly affect communities across the country.

He argued that sustainability should no longer be viewed merely as an environmental aspiration but as an economic necessity and social responsibility, adding that better-designed buildings and infrastructure can improve safety, support economic prosperity and enhance the wellbeing of citizens.

The CORBON chairman also urged universities to play a leading role in producing professionals equipped with practical skills, innovative thinking and sustainability-oriented mindsets capable of responding to emerging challenges in the built environment.

He challenged the Faculty of Environmental Design at ABU to spearhead research into sustainable local building materials and resilient construction methodologies that could help improve housing delivery nationwide.

Opaluwah advocated stronger collaboration among academia, government and industry, saying sustainable development requires a multidisciplinary approach. He lamented that while government and industry often work together, academia remains largely absent from national policy development despite its critical role in research, talent development and innovation.

He said CORBON remains committed to promoting professionalism, ethical standards, innovation and capacity development within the construction industry through improved regulations, capacity-building programmes and strategic partnerships.

The CORBON chairman also called on Nigerian professionals and institutions to embrace emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), smart materials, renewable energy systems and artificial intelligence to improve construction practices and align with global sustainability goals.

Addressing students at the conference, Opaluwah urged them to embrace lifelong learning, digital skills, innovation and ethical leadership, noting that the next generation of environmental design professionals will play a crucial role in shaping safer and more sustainable communities.

He maintained that sustainability is no longer optional and called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to promote policies and practices that encourage energy efficiency, environmental protection, climate adaptation and responsible construction methods.

The conference brought together academics, researchers, industry practitioners, students and policymakers to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable development and resilient communities in Nigeria and beyond.