ARCON seeks support for creative architects, others

The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has urged the government and other stakeholders to support indigenous architects for economic growth.

The President, ARCON, Sir Dipo Ajayi, who made this appeal in a statement, called for improved support for the profession of architecture in Nigeria.

Ajayi, said, “To increase the rate and speed of development in Nigeria, the government should make available, start-up funds for young creative architects to start their own companies.

“This can be accessed through the Bank of Infrastructure formerly known as Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, in collaboration with companies, construction agencies, the government and private individuals who are interested in funding start-ups in the construction industry.

“The accessibility of start-up grants for young architects would increase the number of indigenous firms which would not only aid in the socioeconomic development of the country, but would also help to achieve the local content requirements, which are policies imposed by governments that require firms to use domestically-manufactured goods or domestically-supplied services in order to operate in an economy.”

Ajayi, who emerged as the president of the architects’ regulatory body in 2018 harped on the need to review ARCON’s activities, challenges and successes since he took over the reign of the office.

President, ARCON said this would further guide his council to deliver more on its mandate towards the overall enhancement of architects and architecture in Nigeria.

He acknowledged that the journey had been herculean, but noted that the support of his council members aided his administration to weather the storms and record some successes.

According to him, the council had been able to settle all issues relating to ARCON landed properties both in Abuja and Lagos as well as got the documents recertifying Abuja ARCON Office land located at Jahi.

“We are now renovating Lagos office, which was awarded by the Ministry of Works and Housing and the contractor will soon deliver the project.

He disclosed that the present council has also contributed over N60m towards the construction of a befitting edifice to be called the ARCON headquarters to be situated in the already recertified ARCON land Abuja.

Ajayi highlighted that the council had expanded the scope of architecture by recognising landscape architecture, interior design architecture, among others.