BASSCOMM’S 30th Anniversary Symposium: How to Establish and Sustain A Legacy of Excellence in the Built-Up Industry in Nigeria.

The recently concluded 30th-anniversary symposium on "How to Establish & Sustain a Legacy of Excellence in the Built-up Industry in Nigeria" brought together industry experts, OEMs, investors, and other stakeholders to discuss critical topics that impact the development and progress of Nigeria's built-up industry. The symposium aimed to address challenges, explore solutions, and chart a course towards a sustainable and thriving built environment. Three major topics took centre stage, each with distinguished guest speakers sharing invaluable insights.

Topic 1: Fire Risk Assessment and Management in Nigerian Buildings by ACG. Chika Njoku, Zonal Controller Federal Fire Service, Zone F, South West.

This topic focused on the critical issue of fire risk assessment and management in Nigerian buildings. With rapid urbanization and construction growth, the risk of fire incidents has become a pressing concern for the industry. The guest speaker, ACG Chika Njoku, emphasized the need for rigorous fire safety measures, compliance with building codes, and the integration of advanced technologies in building designs.

He also clarified the different classifications of fire which are Class A Fire which results from ordinary combustible materials such as furniture, stationeries, and textiles, etc, Class B Fire which results from Flammable liquids such as kerosene, Petrol, Ethanol, etc and Class C Fire which involves gases such as methane, propane, butane, etc.

The talk revolved around the importance of community awareness and education to foster a culture of fire safety. Adequate training for building occupants and emergency response teams was highlighted as a crucial aspect of mitigating fire-related disasters. Ultimately, the symposium reinforced the notion that fire risk management should be a top priority for all stakeholders in the built-up industry.

Topic 2: Financing Options for Solar Projects in Nigeria by Dr Segun Adaju, CEO of Consistent Energy.

Amidst growing global concerns about climate change and energy sustainability, the second topic delved into financing options for solar projects in Nigeria. The guest speaker, Dr. Segun shed light on the immense potential of solar energy to transform Nigeria's energy landscape and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

However, one of the main challenges discussed was the lack of accessible and affordable financing for solar projects. Dr Segun mentions the sources of funds as Equity, Debt, Grants, Green bonds, pension, climate finance, Result-based financing, securitization and crowd-funding. The symposium emphasized the importance of tapping into the enabling environment for investments in renewable energy. This involves supportive government policies, financial incentives, and partnerships between private investors and public entities. By promoting solar energy adoption, Nigeria can significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve energy security, and create new job opportunities.

Topic 3: Establishing and Sustaining a Legacy of Excellence in the Built-up Industry by Engineer Adeniyi Ogunnusi, Managing Partner, CONSEM ASSOCIATES.

The final topic served as the centrepiece of the symposium, emphasizing the overarching goal of establishing and sustaining a legacy of excellence in Nigeria's built-up industry. Esteemed guest speaker, Engineer Ogunnusi, reflected on the industry's achievements over the past three decades while charting a roadmap for future progress.

Engineer Ogunnusi stressed the following points:

• Leaving a legacy means that the enterprise has been built up to an enviable level.
• Excellence means a better than average, higher than normal. A long record of impressive performance.
• Excellence – being good at a good thing, having an outstanding feature or quality
• Excellence is achieved by aiming for the top and doing better than the competition.
• SKILL IS KEY, master the core of skills. Commit yourself to a specific area where you have a comparative advantage.
• QA/QC is KEY – regular monitoring of the quality of the product and the opinion of the Clients.
• Avoid Common Pitfalls. Have a damage control procedure.

The symposium underscored the significance of continuous innovation and embracing cutting-edge technologies in design, construction, and project management. The role of mentorship and knowledge transfer from experienced professionals to the younger generation was also emphasized, as it contributes to nurturing a skilled workforce and maintaining high standards of quality.

Furthermore, the symposium emphasized the importance of sustainable practices that respect the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. Integrating green building principles, adopting energy-efficient designs, and promoting sustainable materials were identified as vital components of a lasting legacy of excellence.

Conclusion

The 30th-anniversary symposium on "How to Establish & Sustain a Legacy of Excellence in the Built-up Industry in Nigeria" served as a pivotal event in BASSCOMM's history. The symposium successfully addressed crucial issues concerning fire risk assessment, solar energy financing, and the overarching goal of excellence in engineering practices.

By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a commitment to sustainable development, the symposium laid the groundwork for a brighter future for Nigeria's built-up industry. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the lessons learned and insights gained during this symposium will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of construction in Nigeria.

Watch the highlights here.
Watch the recording here