The Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Arc. Bature Tagwai, has urged young Nigerian architects to build their careers on diligence, thoroughness, and continuous self-development.
Tagwai, who was recently conferred with the prestigious Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), said architecture is a demanding profession that rewards hard work, discipline, and meticulous attention to detail.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, he encouraged young architects to take responsibility for their growth by mastering global trends and strengthening their technical capacity.
“Architecture does not condone laziness. You have to be prompt, decisive, and diligent in whatever design situation you find yourself. Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” he said.
Tagwai stressed that architects must continually enrich their knowledge through self-education and by staying informed about modern developments in cities such as Dubai and across China. He noted that innovation in building materials—from roofing systems to curtain walls and paint technologies—requires constant professional upgrading.
Reflecting on his FNIA conferment, Tagwai described the honour as a recognition of merit. He recalled winning two major prizes during his studies at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, including an award for best architectural contribution in traditional Nigerian architecture. His master’s thesis, he noted, focused on the Gbagi Traditional Architectural concept, with Abuja as a case study.
Tagwai joined the FCDA in 1992 and rose through the ranks to Deputy Director before his recent confirmation as Director of Public Building by the FCT Minister.
“The Nigerian Institute of Architects extending this honour to me is out of merit,” he said, adding that he plans to use the rest of his public service career to mentor younger professionals.
On his experience working under the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Tagwai described it as both official and a “special privilege,” praising the minister’s appreciation of hard work and his role in transforming Abuja.
He said the city had witnessed rapid infrastructural progress under Wike, creating opportunities for architects, engineers, planners, quantity surveyors, and other built-environment professionals.
“You will all agree that Abuja’s landscape has changed. The minister has brought so many differences and created enabling avenues for economic activities. Everybody in the built environment now feels a sense of belonging,” he noted.
Tagwai also extended seasonal greetings to Nigerians, especially Christians, and called for unity, collaboration, and collective effort toward national development.
