Nigeria joins Int’l Code Council

Nigeria joins Int’l Code Council
By Simplicius Ubah  /   December 4, 2015 

A press statement made available to Nigerian Pilot indicated that the country was formally admitted during the annual conference of the International Code Council, ICC, which held recently in Long Beach, California USA.
 The ICC is a member-focused association, dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.
 The International Codes, (I-Codes), published by ICC, provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes.
 Experts said building codes benefit public safety and support the industry’s need for one set of codes without regional limitations.
 Sequel to the admission into the global body, Nigerian members will have access to ICC Code resources, research, and best practices as well as opportunities to obtain ICC certified training, product evaluation, and certification services.
 Speaking at the conference, Raj Nathan, Director of ICC Global Services, emphasized the need for the global adoption of the ICC approach in regulatory and implementation of all building and infrastructure development programs.
 Nathan urged the delegates to the conference to embark on aggressive membership drive, towards establishing a virile and robust Code enforcement programs aimed at reducing impacts of natural and man-made hazards on the national, social, and economic development.
 Nigerian adoption of a functional Building Codes will help in reducing incessant building collapses, enhance professionalism in the infrastructure and building industry, and improve the quality of life, health, safety, and welfare of citizens.
 While congratulating Nigeria for joining ICC, he applauded the Nigerian Chapter for the passion and perseverance they have exhibited within 12 months to gain global recognition and admittance.
 The ICC Director expressed readiness of the global body to work with the Nigerian government and professional bodies to adopt and implement a modern and sustainable international building code.
 In his remarks, President of the Nigerian National Chapter, Dr. Maurice Ngwaba said the Nigeria National Chapter of ICC, NNC-ICC, will continue to work with the domestic and international professionals and the building industry in enhancing a better planned, designed, and built environment that supports life, safety, and health of Nigerians.
 Ngwaba stressed the need for a unified and international building code that is easy to enforce, pointing out that the development of a progressive and informed workforce is vital to sustaining the Nigeria development agenda.
 He further stated that ICC-NNC would serve as a platform to bring all related building industry professionals together, thus enhancing collaboration among professionals in the building industry.
 One of the highlights of the conference which brought together professionals in the global building industry drawn from over 140 countries of the world, was the election of the President of the Nigerian National Chapter, Dr. Ngwaba into the Board of International Code Council Global Governing Committee.
 The ICC-Nigerian National Chapter delegates that attended the ICC Conference include; Deacon Chibueze Nwaogwugwu, Chair of the Abia State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, Arc. Ndubuisi E. Ogbonna, Homes & Styles Limited (Architecture & Building Construction), Engr. Joseph Otejere, Project Manager – ABB Powerlines Limited, Elijah Oluikpe, CEO, Elinuol & Company Limited, Arc. Emma Chidi Ifeagwu, Member Nigeria Institute of Architects and Chuck Igba, IT Director, Lenovo.