Interior Design Industry Has Great Potential for Nigeria, Says IDAN

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The interior design industry has been projected to contribute immensely to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

Presently the industry has made significant contributions to the growth of the economy in most African countries, providing over N30 billion annually.
The sector has also grown in terms of capacity and professionalism over the years.

Speaking to THISDAY, on the outcome event organised by the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) in Abuja, the founder and former President of the International Federation of Interior Architect/Design, Titi Ogufere, said the industry has to a large extent impacted on the economy and lives of the people in most profound ways.

“We in the interior design industry actually shape the nation in several ways and that is why we want to create public awareness to enable people know that we are here for the health and safety of the society.

 “In terms of the economy and the contribution of the industry to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we have contributed a lot.

“The last study that was carried out by an Italian firm four years ago rated the industry in the continent as contributing well over N36 billion to Africa’s economy.
“But note that, that is in Africa and indeed, we are still doing a lot of research to provide more information which might throw up higher figures,” she said.
Ogufere said IDAN was presently working on a research to ascertain the contribution being made by operators in the industry to Nigeria’s GDP.

Speaking on maintenance of standards and regulatory practices, Ogufere said there is currently a 4-year  degree programme run by some universities in the country on Interior Design profession which serves as an entry point to practitioners in the industry.

 Besides this, she explained that there were also short courses that could also help build the capacity of professionals in this sector.

“Apart from insisting on the possession of a degree certificate we are also encouraging operators to distinguish themselves in the profession.
“For instance we heard decorators can just come up with pillows but we can do a lot more than that.

“Like I said earlier, decorators can decorate, but not design, but designers can decorate.”

When asked to assess the practice of interior designing in Nigeria, she said, “we became more visible in 2007, and we have been able to do a lot of work since then, trying to separate designers from decorators and educating members of the public on the unique potential of the industry.

“We have also organised round table events for chief executives of business where we were seeking to support the operators to grow their businesses.”
According to her, the interior decorating industry remains a very lucrative one.

Ogufere said some of the challenges facing the industry included that of licencing and promoting education and proper training of professionals in the sector.

On her part, the Chairperson of IDAN in the Federal Capital Teritory (FCT) Kuceli Ross – Adeniji, said the performance of the interior designing business in Abuja had been that of high and low.

 The event attracted notable players in the sector from across the country.