Modalities for Effective Operations of Regulatory Bodies Involved in Building Construction

Abstract

Regulatory bodies in the built environment backed by enabling registration Acts play a major role in regulating building construction practices in Nigeria. The paper was aimed at suggesting modalities for effective operations of regulatory bodies in the built environment. Two research objectives have been raised and 1 research hypothesis was raised to guide the study. The study made use of quantitative method of data collection to obtain data from respondents. 421 respondents participated in answering questions administered with a sample size of 382. Questions asked in the questionnaire were based on existing literature and questionnaires were administered on the respondents with the aid of research supports physically and electronically. Responses received through the questionnaire administered were retrieved and analysed. The descriptive research questionnaire was also subjected to validation by selected experienced building construction professionals for accuracy. Descriptive statistics such as simple percentages was used to analyse the breakdown of the questionnaire, the profile of the respondents, their discipline and gender. Data analysed using non-parametric method of data analysis (ranking and mean). The findings of the research revealed that; lack of effective legislation and bureaucracy served as the major barrier affecting the functions of regulatory bodies in the built environment. Updating regulatory standards, effective enforcement of codes and licensing is paramount to the functions of regulatory bodies involved in building construction. Based on the findings, it was recommended that; the Federal Government should make adequate budgetary provision for effective operations of regulatory bodies. Right legislation should be put in place for their operations. Regulatory bodies should not only focus on issuing licenses to building construction professionals but as a matter of priority get involved in updating regulatory standards and organising continuous professional development based on areas of core- competence to enhance knowledge base of professionals.