ARCHITECTS AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA
TachiaNambeh&YakubuYohannaAdamu
Department of Vocational & Technical Education, Benue State University, Makurdi
Department of Architecture, Bauchi State Polytechnic, Bauchi – Nigeria
Email: mfachia@gmail.com&yayadamu@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Development Control Departments have become a veritable tool in administering effective physical development of urban areas worldwide. The centrality of Architects in this administrative unit of urban governance cannot be over emphasized as they are the ones that conceive the vision that is finally translated into a built environment and as such need to be present as the process unfolds. The presence of architects and the level of their involvement in the development control process in Benue state was investigated in this research. It was discovered that there was a total absence of architects in any development control organ in the state, and architects were only invited from the state ministry of works, housing and urban development, from time to time during critical times to vet special submissions, for a few hours a day. This has created a poor urban environment in the state, with ugly landscapes, cityscapes and haphazard built environment. The building permit process itself is fraught with irregularities and abuse of process, creating a chaotic vista which portends difficulty in the near future of urban areas of the state given the rapid urbanization rate in the state. Recommendations were then given on how to stem the tide in the immediate and long term basis on how to reverse this trend.
Keywords: Development Control, Building Permits Process, Architect, Built Environment
