The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has once again raised the alarm about the dangers posed by quacks and unqualified practitioners in the country’s building industry. Poor workmanship, structural failures, and abandoned projects continue to cost Nigerians lives, money and time.
Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or engaging professionals for any construction-related service, verifying credentials is no longer optional. Here is a practical 2026 checklist to protect yourself.
1. Verify Professional Registration
Demand proof of current registration with the relevant professional body:
- Builders → Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) / Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON)
- Architects → Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON)
- Engineers → Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)
- Quantity Surveyors → Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN)
- Estate Surveyors → Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON)
Ask for their registration number and, where possible, cross-check on the official website or by contacting the regulatory body directly.
2. Request Evidence of Past Projects
Ask for:
- A portfolio of completed projects of similar scale and type
- Contact details of previous clients (and actually call them)
- Site addresses of ongoing or completed work you can visit
Genuine professionals are usually willing to provide this. Quacks often become evasive.
3. Check for Proper Documentation and Contracts
Never rely on verbal agreements. Insist on:
- A written contract clearly stating scope of work, timelines, payment schedule and responsibilities
- Detailed drawings and specifications where applicable
- Proper invoices and receipts for all payments
4. Avoid Extremely Low Quotes
If a quotation is significantly lower than others without a clear explanation (e.g., use of alternative materials with proper justification), treat it as a red flag. Unrealistically cheap bids are one of the most common ways quacks win jobs — and later cut corners.
5. Confirm Insurance and Safety Compliance
Ask whether the professional or firm carries:
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Relevant site insurance and safety provisions
While not yet universal, serious practitioners are increasingly expected to have these in place.
6. Involve Professionals at the Right Stage
- Engage a registered architect or builder early for design and planning
- Use a quantity surveyor for cost estimation and cost control
- Engage a structural engineer for any structural works
- Avoid the common practice of “I know someone who can do it cheaper” without proper qualifications
7. Monitor the Work
Even after engaging qualified professionals:
- Visit the site regularly
- Ask questions about materials and methods
- Request stage certifications where appropriate
- Do not make final payments until you are satisfied with the quality and completeness of the work
Quick Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance to provide registration details
- Pressure to pay large sums upfront
- No written contract or vague scope of work
- Inability to show previous similar projects
- Quotes that seem “too good to be true”
- Resistance to involving other necessary professionals (e.g., structural engineer)
Final Thoughts
The cost of engaging quacks is almost always higher in the long run — through structural problems, costly rectifications, project delays, or worse. Taking the time to verify qualifications and insist on proper processes is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment and safety.
In 2026, with continued warnings from professional bodies like NIOB, there is no excuse for skipping due diligence when selecting construction professionals.
Have you ever had a negative experience with an unqualified practitioner, or successfully avoided one? Share your tips or experience in the comments.
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