FCDA Director, Tagwai bags FNIA award, urges young architects to pursue excellence through diligence, continuous growth

Arc. Bature Tagwai, Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), has called on young Nigerian architects to commit to diligence, thoroughness, and constant self-improvement as essential pillars for building a successful career in the profession.

Tagwai, who was recently elevated to the prestigious rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), emphasized that architecture is a highly demanding field—one that rewards hard work, discipline, and an unwavering attention to detail. According to him, these qualities not only shape competent professionals but also determine how far an architect can go in a competitive industry.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCDA Director advised young professionals to focus on self-driven education and global awareness.

Tagwai said that architecture demands a high level of personal commitment with no tolerance for laxity.

“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.

He also emphasised the need for architects to actively enrich their knowledge, saying
you have to be very thorough in whatever you do.

“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.,” he said.

On his recent recommendation and conferment as a fellow of FNIA, Tagwai described it as a product of merit, recalling how he won two major prizes while studying at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

One of the awards according to him was the best architectural contribution in traditional Nigerian architecture, noting that his master’s thesis focused on the Gbagi Traditional Architectural concept with a case study of Abuja.

He also disclosed that his public service career started with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1992, where he rose through the ranks to Deputy Director before his recent elevation and confirmation as the Director of Public Building by the FCT Minister.

“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.