Public Ignorance of Architects’ Roles a Major Challenge, Says NIA President

By Praise Chinecherem

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has identified limited public understanding of architects’ roles and contributions to society as one of the major challenges confronting the profession.

The National President of the institute, Arc. Sani Saulawa, stated this in Awka, Anambra State, during the NIA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exposition, themed “Vision to Legacy: Planning, Innovation and Inclusive Development for a Livable Environment.”

Saulawa said many members of the public were yet to fully appreciate the professional responsibilities of architects, particularly their contributions to building design, environmental planning and sustainable urban development.

He, however, disclosed that the institute was intensifying efforts to sensitise the public and improve understanding of the profession.

“There are several challenges facing the association, but the principal one is the lack of better understanding between architects and society,” he said.

“The society perhaps does not fully understand who we are as professionals and the services we render.

“However, we are putting a lot of effort into sensitising the public to understand who we are and what we do. Basically, we are the ones who design and shape the environment.

“We solve a lot of problems through our designs, from individual buildings and projects to cities collectively and the environment. Our impact is felt across the 36 states of the nation and the Federal Capital Territory.”

The NIA president also commended the Anambra State chapter and its leadership for their achievements, describing their performance as satisfactory.

Ezeobi stresses planning, digital innovation

In his keynote address, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, emphasised the importance of effective planning and digital technology in delivering quality architectural designs.

He urged architects to embrace continuous professional development to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological environment.

Ezeobi identified inertia and resistance to change as major obstacles that professionals must overcome to achieve effective planning and development.

“Planning is critical, and we must plan with critical development in mind. If an architect cannot plan in the digital reality, then he is a failure because digital reality is more real than this hall,” he said.

“There is a need to keep updating yourself in an unchanging world. However, one of the greatest enemies of planning is inertia. It is a challenge that must be overcome in planning.”

NIA urges inclusive planning, sustainable development

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Anambra State Chapter, Arc. Ikenna Michael Onuorah, said the conference theme provided an opportunity for members to look beyond architectural drawings and completed buildings to consider the quality of communities, opportunities and public spaces being left for future generations.

He maintained that a livable environment should be defined by residents’ everyday experiences, including access to safe streets, decent housing, reliable public services, accessible public spaces and a healthy natural environment.

“A livable environment is not a luxury; it is the daily experience of safe streets, decent homes, reliable services, accessible public places and a healthy landscape,” Onuorah said.

He called on governments to establish clear and consistently enforced planning frameworks, invest in infrastructure, protect public land and the environment, and ensure transparency and public participation in development decisions.

“Regulation must guide growth, while coordinated investment turns plans into lasting public value,” he added.

Onuorah also challenged architects to combine creativity with evidence-based design, climate awareness, affordability and cultural sensitivity to deliver projects that respond to the needs of diverse communities.

“We must design for people who are often unheard, explain the long-term cost of short-term choices, and help communities see what thoughtful planning can make possible,” he said.

He further called for stronger collaboration among architects, urban planners, engineers, surveyors, builders, quantity surveyors, environmental experts and other built-environment professionals.

According to him, professionals must collaborate from the early stages of projects, communicate honestly and prioritise quality, safety and the public interest over narrow convenience.

The conference brought together architects and other stakeholders in the built environment to examine how planning, innovation and inclusive development can contribute to safer, more sustainable and more livable communities.

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