Dangiwa Inaugurares 14th Council of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, ARCON
…. charges them to maintain peace, selflessness and professionalism.
Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has inaugurated the 14th Council members of the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), with a charge to strive to be selfless, professional and focused on the interest of the profession, the country and the teeming Architects therein, in the conduct of their assignment.
ARCON is a statutory body established to Regulate the activities of the Architectural Profession in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Minister acknowledged the importance and critical nature of the Architectural profession to national development, noting that the Council was created to assist in promoting the development and growth of the profession in the country because the Government recognised the need to regulate and maintain standards in the built environment, which is a major driver of economic growth.
“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”, he said.
While reminding members of the Council of the high responsibility that comes with their nominations, the Minister tasked them to live up to the expectations of the architectural profession as well as the trust bestowed on them by contributing meaningfully towards policies that will promote and enshrine standards and quality in the housing sector.
Dangiwa drew the attention of the Council to the fact that the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria Act 2004 needed immediate amendment in order to align its mandate with present realities, while assuring that the Ministry under his watch would encourage an urgent commencement of work on the amendment.
In his words, “We should incorporate the right to exist and function with the common objective of promoting the Profession, in accordance with the provision of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended (which give Right to Freedom of Association)”.
Accordingly, the Minister highlighted the incessant incidences of building collapse to the Council, pointing out that it has not only led to loss of lives and waste of resources but has also brought shame to the profession and the housing sector;
“this Council must therefore be committed from inception to play its part by promoting accountability, transparency through the implementation of initiatives that would enhance good governance in the built environment by bringing registered architects to uphold ethical conduct and integrity”, he warned.
Dangiwa further charged members of the Council to ensure that there is peace, unity and orderliness in the house of Architecture in Nigeria in order to make meaningful progress.
“Let us resolve not to sacrifice the profession on the altar of pecuniary interests even as we strive to ensure fairness, equity and balance”, he admonished.
On their part, the Registrar of the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Umar Murnai expressed happiness that the inauguration has come to reality.
He charged the members of the Council to ensure that the they work towards the improvement of the architectural profession in Nigeria, and to uphold their responsibilities of training and improving the profession.
Murnai further assured the Minister that the new council would also enhance on upholding accountability and transparency in the course of their duties.
