QUACKERY, POOR OVERSIGHT MAKE NIGERIAN BUILDINGS DEATH TRAPS

Building collapses remain a major safety concern in Nigeria, with experts blaming the recurring incidents on the involvement of unqualified practitioners, weak regulatory enforcement and the use of substandard construction materials.

Recent data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild showed that 47 building collapse incidents were recorded across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos accounting for the highest number at 13. Abuja recorded six incidents, while Anambra had five and Kano and Rivers recorded four each.

The guild also reported that the number of recorded building collapses in Nigeria reached 640 between October 1974 and January 9, 2025, highlighting the long-running nature of the problem.

Experts said the frequent collapses were not caused by a single factor but resulted from several weaknesses across the construction process.

The Honorary Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lagos State Branch, Tokunbo Akinhanmi, identified poor regulatory enforcement, the engagement of unqualified practitioners, substandard materials, structural defects and inadequate soil investigations among the major causes.

He also noted that some developers fail to comply with approved building specifications, creating additional risks for occupants and neighbouring properties.

The problem has continued despite repeated calls for stronger monitoring of construction activities and stricter enforcement of building regulations.

Recent incidents have further highlighted the danger. In July, a three-storey student hostel in Oko, Anambra State, reportedly collapsed, trapping several occupants and prompting emergency rescue operations.

A separate residential building collapse in Kano in August also resulted in several people being rescued from the rubble, with authorities launching an investigation into the cause of the incident.

Experts have therefore called for stronger enforcement of building codes, proper certification of professionals involved in construction and greater scrutiny of construction materials.

They also urged developers and property owners to conduct appropriate soil investigations and ensure that structural designs are prepared and supervised by qualified professionals.

The experts maintained that preventing building collapses requires cooperation among government regulators, developers, professionals, contractors and property owners.

They stressed that stronger oversight and compliance with approved construction standards would help protect lives, reduce property losses and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s built environment.