FCDA Director Tagwai Bags FNIA Honours, Urges Young Architects To Rise Above Laziness, Lead With Global Vision
In a city where cranes shape the skyline and every new block tells a story of ambition, one of Abuja’s top builders is sending a message to the next generation: architecture does not forgive laziness.
Arc. Bature Tagwai, Director of Public Building at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), has been inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, a prestigious milestone earned after decades of shaping Nigeria’s capital.
But behind the celebration lies a challenge that young architects can’t ignore.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Tagwai opened a quiet but powerful curiosity loop: Why do so many young architects struggle to rise even in a booming built environment like Abuja?
His answer was unflinching.
“Architecture does not condone laziness. You must be prompt, decisive, diligent.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” he said, insisting that the profession rewards only those who push themselves harder than the curriculum demands.
He painted a vivid picture of the modern architect,
one who must study global trends from Dubai to China, understand new building materials, and constantly self-educate as innovation sweeps through roofing systems, curtain walls and finishing technologies.
Nigeria’s young architects want global opportunities, but without global-level discipline, they’ll be left behind.
Tagwai’s own story is proof. From winning top academic awards at Ahmadu Bello University, including recognition for his research on Gbagi traditional architecture, to rising steadily through the FCDA since 1992, his career is built not just on skill, but on relentless self-improvement.
He described his elevation to FNIA as “a product of merit,” and credited the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for recognising hard work and driving a transformation that has reshaped Abuja’s landscape in barely two years.
“You will all agree with me that the Abuja landscape has changed,” he said with emotion.
“He has created an environment where architects, engineers, planners, everyone in the built environment, now feel a renewed sense of purpose.”
As he sends Christmas goodwill to Nigerians, Tagwai leaves a final lesson hanging in the air:
architecture thrives on unity, collaboration and the constant pursuit of excellence, because no single tree can make a forest.
Follow Savinews Africa on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n