The Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, has assured the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) of greater professional involvement in the planning and implementation of major physical development projects across the state.
Ekpang gave the assurance on Wednesday when the Cross River State Chapter of the NIA paid him a courtesy visit to congratulate him on his appointment and explore areas of professional collaboration with the Ministry of Lands.
Welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner described the Ministry of Lands as a broad and highly organised institution comprising several departments and professional units, noting the important role architects play in the state’s physical development.
“Architects and other relevant professionals will be considered in the planning and implementation of major projects, particularly the development of new layouts and new cities,” Ekpang said.
He stressed the importance of involving professionals from the beginning of development projects, rather than bringing them in after critical decisions had been taken.
“Professional involvement should begin from the inception of projects, rather than after major decisions have already been taken,” he said.
Ekpang assured the institute that the ministry would give attention to the concerns raised during the engagement, particularly those relating to development activities, adding that the expertise of experienced professionals would be valuable to the ministry.
“The ministry will benefit from the expertise of experienced professionals. This meeting marks a positive beginning towards a more structured partnership between the ministry and architectural services in advancing the state’s physical development agenda,” he said.
He added that the partnership would support the administration’s vision of delivering meaningful and sustainable development to the people of Cross River State.
Earlier, the delegation, led by a former Director of Architectural Services in the Ministry of Lands and Fellow of the NIA, Arch. Linus Ogbin Ovat, congratulated Ekpang on his appointment and expressed the institute’s readiness to support the ministry’s development objectives.
Ovat commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for appointing tested and experienced individuals with the capacity and professional competence to serve the state.
He said the institute’s visit was primarily aimed at offering professional support and establishing a productive working relationship with the ministry, while identifying areas requiring greater attention.
Ovat highlighted concerns including quackery in the architectural profession, building health and safety, functionality of structures, strengthening of the Architectural Services Department, review of building regulations and digitisation of building plan approvals.
He said closer collaboration between the NIA and the Ministry of Lands would help strengthen professional standards, improve development control and promote safer, functional and sustainable physical development across Cross River State.
By Afiong Ndem
