Lagos — The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has decried the infiltration of foreign architectural firms into Nigerian market.

The Lagos state President of NIA Architect Tunji Bolu said in interactive session with the media during its 50th anniversary celebrations in Lagos that the foreign firms get accounts that can be handled by indigenous architects.

He said to make Nigerian architects more competitive in the face foreign competition; he noted that architectural trainings would be improved in all schools offering architecture in Nigeria.

He also noted that the Institute is positioning Nigerian architects to be among the 20 world best by the year 2020, keying into the vision 20:2020 of the federal government.

He said architects are fundamental to the success of the Nigerian vision and Nigeria cannot achieve the vision without working in concert with local architects.

He said going forward, the Institute will deliver a truly Nigerian architect that would be indigenous and will be symbols of Nigeria internationally just like Japan, China and other countries.

On the spate of building collapse in Nigeria, the architects said they are just one aspect of a total building and most times, the building engineers and other persons involved in the building process may not abide by their designs and specifications just to cut cost.

On the challenges bedeviling the Institute's members, the architects listed lack of clients, ineffective legislation that does not compel people to seek professional impute from architects before any building is erected or any adjustment is made to a building.