From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has appealed to various architectural bodies to withdraw all pending court cases and submit to the authority of the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
Speaking at the inauguration of the reconstituted ARCON board in Abuja yesterday, Dangiwa emphasized that ARCON, established in 1969, is the only body recognized by law for regulating architecture in Nigeria.
He highlighted the urgent need for a review of the Architects Registration Act and urged the reconstituted board to initiate the review process. The minister also assured ARCON of the government’s unwavering support.
“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 the standards of knowledge and skills required for individuals seeking to become members of the architectural profession. The Act also empowers the council to raise these standards from time to time as circumstances may permit,” Dangiwa explained.
He further emphasized the role of ARCON as a policy-making organ of the government, promoting the development and growth of the architectural profession in Nigeria. This role stems from the government’s recognition of the need to regulate and maintain standards in the built environment, a crucial driver of economic growth.
“The importance and critical nature of the architectural profession to national development cannot therefore be overemphasized,” Dangiwa stated.
The minister also explained that the inauguration, initially scheduled for December 21, 2021, was postponed to facilitate dialogue and stakeholder engagement, ensuring a peaceful and collaborative environment.
“In fact, this council should have been winding down by now if that inauguration had held in 2021,” he concluded.