FCDA Director Tagwai bags FNIA honour, preaches diligence, discipline to young architects

Arc. Bature Tagwai, Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority  (FCDA), has urged young Nigerian architects to embrace diligence, discipline, and global awareness as essential tools for building a competitive career in the profession.

Tagwai, who was recently elevated to the prestigious rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), said architecture remains a rigorous discipline that demands unwavering commitment from those who choose to practise it.

He made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the fellowship honour.

Describing the profession as one with no room for indolence, the FCTA Director noted that success in architecture depends heavily on thoroughness and personal initiative.

He stressed that young professionals must remain attentive to details, proactive in learning, and intentional about upgrading their capacity.

“Architecture does not condone laziness. You have to be prompt, you have to be decisive, you have to be diligent in whatever design situation you may find yourself.”

“Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” he said, adding that architects must continually teach themselves rather than rely exclusively on institutional learning.

Tagwai advised young practitioners to stay abreast of global trends shaping the built environment in places like Dubai and China, particularly innovations in building materials such as roofing systems, curtain walls, and modern finishing technologies.

According to him, “Continuous self-education enhances performance. If you enrich your knowledge and stay updated with global developments, you will excel when opportunities come your way.”

Reflecting on his journey to becoming an FNIA fellow, he described the recognition as a product of merit and consistency.

He recalled winning two major academic prizes at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, including an award for best architectural contribution in traditional Nigerian architecture, founded on his master’s thesis on Gbagi Traditional Architectural concepts with a case study of Abuja.

Tagwai joined the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1992 and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director before his recent confirmation as Director of Public Building by the FCT Minister.

He expressed appreciation for the honour, saying the fellowship reinforces his commitment to serve and mentor the younger generation.

Speaking on his working relationship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Tagwai described it as “strictly official” but acknowledged it as a “special privilege.”

He commended the minister for recognising hard work and driving the ongoing transformation of Abuja’s urban landscape, which he said has created economic opportunities and reenergised professionals across the built environment.

“You will all agree with me that the Abuja landscape has changed.

He has brought so much difference.

He has enhanced many avenues for people to engage themselves in economic activities. Abuja has been transformed in just two years and a few months,” he said.

Tagwai added that architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, town planners and other professionals now feel a renewed sense of belonging as a result of the minister’s leadership.

Wishing Nigerians, especially Christians, compliments of the season, he emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration, saying progress is only possible when institutions and individuals work together.

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