BUILDING COLLAPSE: NATE BLAMES COSTLY APPROVALS, WARNS OF SAFETY RISKS

The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has raised concerns over the rising cost of building approvals, warning that expensive regulatory processes could encourage developers to bypass official procedures and increase the risk of building collapses.

The association's position highlights the need to balance regulatory compliance with affordability, particularly for individuals and businesses involved in construction. It warned that when approval processes become excessively costly or complicated, some developers may resort to unauthorised construction, potentially exposing occupants and surrounding communities to serious safety hazards.

Building collapses remain a major concern in Nigeria, with incidents often linked to structural defects, poor construction practices, substandard materials, inadequate supervision and failure to comply with approved building specifications.

NATE stressed the importance of ensuring that buildings are properly designed, approved and supervised by qualified professionals. It also underscored the need for effective monitoring by relevant government agencies to identify unsafe structures and prevent violations of building regulations.

The association's concerns come amid repeated calls for stronger enforcement of construction standards and greater accountability across the building industry. Experts have consistently emphasised that safety must remain a priority at every stage of construction, from design and approval to execution and final inspection.

Reducing unnecessary administrative costs, improving transparency and simplifying approval procedures could encourage more developers to comply with regulations. However, such reforms must not weaken technical requirements or compromise public safety.

The association's warning reinforces the need for collaboration between professional bodies, government regulators, developers and construction workers to address the factors contributing to building failures.

Ensuring affordable but effective approval processes, alongside strict enforcement of engineering and construction standards, will be essential to reducing building collapse incidents and protecting lives and property across the country.