Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has raised serious concerns about the rising infiltration of quacks in the building industry, warning that it poses a grave danger to the integrity of structures and the safety of Nigerians.

Speaking while hosting the 55th Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), the governor lamented that recurring cases of building collapse across the country are often linked to untrained and unlicensed individuals parading as professionals.

Governor Nwifuru charged the NIOB leadership to intensify its fight against quackery, stressing that genuine builders must lead efforts in promoting sustainable urban renewal, climate-resilient projects, and a culture of regular maintenance that would reduce waste and prolong infrastructure lifespan.

He further urged members of the institute to uphold professional ethics, transparency, and accountability, insisting that public trust in the industry depends on zero tolerance for sabotage and corruption.

Highlighting the role of the NIOB in shaping policy, Nwifuru encouraged the body to push for stronger regulatory laws through the National Assembly while also investing in continuous research, innovation, and the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable building materials.

“Builders must embrace emerging trends and global best practices to guarantee safety and quality in every project,” he noted, while assuring that Ebonyi State will continue to create an enabling environment for professionals in the sector.

Goodwill messages at the conference came from the Deputy Governors of Anambra and Enugu States, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, who emphasized the need for builders to focus on both durability and affordable housing to meet Nigeria’s urgent shelter needs.

The conference, themed “Advancing Builders’ Knowledge and Skills for Effective Enforcement of Building Regulatory Laws for Sustainable Development,” ended with a strong call for collaboration among professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to safeguard public safety and reposition the construction industry for sustainable growth.