Surveyors Advocate Security-First Designs to Combat Crime

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) Lagos State Chapter called for the construction sector to adopt security-first building designs to address Nigeria's escalating insecurity. This appeal was made during the 18th Distinguished Lecture Series, where Rilwan Balogun, the chairman of NIQS Lagos, highlighted the role of the construction industry in crime prevention.

He warned against compromising construction standards, stating that any reduction in quality could worsen insecurity. Dr.

Kabir Adamu and Pamela Ugbonta from Beacon Security Intelligence Ltd emphasized the need for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in public infrastructure. Ugbonta outlined five CPTED principles, including natural surveillance and access control, which can deter criminal activity.

She noted that poorly maintained infrastructure signals weak governance and attracts crime. The event underscored the necessity for secure designs in schools and public spaces to enhance safety and stimulate local economies through job creation in the construction sector.