Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has called on 333 newly inducted craftsmen to ensure quality delivery of their jobs.
Fashola gave this advice at the occasion of the Induction of Builders, Construction and Skilled Artisans of Nigeria (BASCAAN) members by Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen (NAEC) on Thursday in Abuja.
Fashola who was represented by Mr Julius Okunola, Director, Engineering Services, said the ministry operates nine engineering and building craft training schools nationwide for skills acquisition.
He urged the members of the association to avail themselves of the opportunity presented by these schools
According to him, ensuring quality job delivery will create the desired impact nationwide especially in getting value for money in engineering projects and adherence to professionalism.
“The induction will reduce quackery and corrupt practices in engineering works.
“One of the primary and critical roles of artisans is in the area of maintenance. Federal Government recently approved the Public Building Maintenance Policy in order to create avenue for profitable engagement of artisans.
“Also, a new Department called Federal Public Assets Maintenance has been created in the ministry to prioritise building maintenance activities and keep the integrity of public assets.’’ Fashola said.
Mr Tanko Gyang, National President, NAEC in his welcome address; said with the inaugural induction; quackery would soon be a thing of the past.
“Today history is been made as we journey toward the eradication of quackery in our society as well as halting the importation of foreign Artisans for executing engineering jobs in Nigeria.
“Over the years we have witnessed so many lapses and in effectiveness of our artisans which has given room to so many failures such as building collapse and poor execution of engineering jobs.
“With the backing of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to engage in the training of Artisan and then certify them by upgrading them into the craftsmanship cadre,” he said.
Gyang said with the induction; quackery and unwholesome practice in the field of engineering would be minimised and at the end it would be completely eradicated.
He called on the Federal Government to equip all Technical Colleges and Vocational Centres in Nigeria; and also to establish new ones.
The president of NAEC explained that statistics had shown that there were 159 technical colleges and 214 Vocational training centres which were inadequate for the Technological development of the Nigerian nation.
He also called on the private sector to partner with NAEC in the provision of quality engineering craftsmen training and services for professional perfection.
Gyang congratulated the new Inductees and urged them to be good ambassadors of the association of Engineering Craftsmen and by extension the larger community of engineers.
On his part the host of the event Mr Ali Rabiu, President, of COREN, said the induction ceremony would help to correct the faulty engineering pyramid.
Mr Babagana Mohammed, President,Nigeria Society of Engineers ( NSE) said the induction would bring an end to quackery in the country.
He said it would make it possible for Nigerian artisans to be engaged rather than engaging foreigners on jobs citizens should do therefore making local artisans redundant and impoverished.
According to him, in the pyramid, engineers are supposed to be the least in the number of the professionals and craftsmen the highest.But the reverse is the case which should not be.
He commended the NSE leadership for their advocacy in ensuring that all engineering professionals do their parts in the sector.