By Gloria Ikibah
The Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Arc. Bature Tagwai, has urged emerging architects across Nigeria to anchor their careers on diligence, precision and a continuous drive for personal growth.
Recently elevated to the rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, he reflected on the demanding nature of the profession, noting that success in architecture rests on sustained hard work and an unwavering attention to detail. 
In an interview with journalists in Abuja, Tagwai emphasised the importance of self-led learning, global awareness and professional discipline, adding that the field requires deep personal commitment and leaves little room for complacency.
He said: “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.
“Architecture is a course whereby you don’t wait for people to teach you, teach yourself. You try to upgrade your capacity.”
“Architects must strive to know what is happening in the modern built environment globally including Dubai, China and others.
“This includes continuous self-education to enhance performance in the use of building materials—like roofing materials, curtain walls, and painting—where innovation is constant.
“In so doing you’ll be successful depending on the opportunity or privileged opportunity that come your way”.
Reflecting on his elevation to the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Tagwai described the recognition as the outcome of consistent effort and merit.
He recalled earning two major academic awards during his time at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, including a prize for outstanding work in traditional Nigerian architecture. His master’s research explored Gbagi traditional architectural principles, using Abuja as its central case study.
He went on to note that his public service journey began with the Federal Capital Development Authority in 1992, a career in which he progressed steadily to the position of Deputy Director. His latest advancement came with his confirmation as Director of Public Building by the FCT Minister, marking another milestone in a long and committed professional path.
“That the Nigerian Institute of Architects recommended or extended their hand of olive to me to be one of their fellows, I think it’s out of merit,” Tagwai said,
He expressed gratitude and pledged to utilize his remaining time in government to showcase his experience and contribute to the younger generation.
Speaking on his experience working under the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Arc. Tagwai described it as “strictly official” but a “special privilege.”
He commended the minister for confirming his elevation to the position of director, and for appreciating hard work and commitment, which he said had resulted in a visible and rapid transformation of the Abuja landscape.
“I am a lucky privileged gentleman because I get so excited to work with somebody who appreciate hard work, who appreciate human feelings.
“You will all agree with me that the Abuja landscape have changed. He has brought so much differences.
“He has enhanced so many avenues for people to engage themselves in economic activities. Abuja has been transformed, thus far within just two years and few months.
“He have created enabling environment for practicing architects, be it in private sector or public service.
“Everybody seems to have that sense of belonging in built environment. Not just only the architect, the engineer, the quantity surveyor, town planners, everybody seems to be excited about how Abuja is been transformed,” he said.
While wishing Nigerians especially the Christians compliments of the season, Tagwai expressed the need for unity, collaboration and partnership, saying a tree cannot make a forest.
