The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has unveiled a national registration framework for site-based workers — including building technologists, technicians, and craftsmen.
The announcement, made by CORBON Chairman Dr. Samson Opaluwah during a press briefing in Abuja, signals a new era of inclusion, regulation, and recognition for thousands of skilled labourers previously operating outside formal structures.
“In line with the duty of builders to manage and supervise all workmen and artisans on sites, CORBON is proud to announce the official registration of other practitioner cadres in the building process,” Opaluwah declared.
This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and is expected to reshape the workforce dynamics in one of Nigeria’s most critical economic sectors.
For decades, building site workers like technicians and craftsmen have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s real estate and infrastructure development. However, the absence of formal registration and regulation has left them undervalued, underpaid, and largely invisible in the national labour framework.
The new registration system is structured under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), allowing skilled workers from both formal and informal sectors to gain official certification and recognition.
“Whether you were trained in a university, polytechnic, or through apprenticeship, once you demonstrate the skill and competence, CORBON will register you,” said Opaluwah.
The Council also confirmed the development of a Labour Market Information System, which will host profiles of registered workers and match them with relevant job opportunities and remuneration tiers.
The registration framework introduces tiered recognition levels — from NSQF Level 1 for entry-level craftsmen to Level 9, equivalent to a PhD holder. This provides a clear career growth path for artisans and technical workers, enabling them to transition into higher-level professional roles over time.
“You can grow from a basic craftsman to become a licensed builder. This is a game-changer for career mobility in the construction industry,” said a CORBON official familiar with the policy.
For employers and contractors, the register offers standardised hiring benchmarks, improved site safety, and more efficient project execution. For the government, it provides a robust database for workforce planning, skills gap analysis, and policy formulation.
This move is expected to improve quality, reduce construction defects, and enhance safety on building sites nationwide. With over 4,000 registered university-trained builders, CORBON now seeks to integrate the broader technical community that supports project delivery on the ground.
“There is no community in Nigeria where buildings are not being erected. It’s time we brought order and dignity to those behind the bricks,” Opaluwah noted.
Stakeholders have applauded the initiative, especially given the rise in substandard construction linked to unregulated labour. The registers also allow for traceability and accountability, particularly in projects involving public funds or mass housing schemes
CORBON has confirmed that a call for registration applications will be issued in the coming weeks. Site workers are advised to prepare the necessary documentation and training evidence to participate in the first phase.
Meanwhile, sensitisation campaigns are expected to roll out across the six geopolitical zones to ensure maximum stakeholder engagement.
“This is not just about regulation. It’s about building dignity, opportunity, and national pride into our construction workforce,” Opaluwah concluded.