Expert Proffers Solutions to Continuous Building Collapse In Nigeria

By Ifeoluwa Adeniyi

Collapsed buildings have become an alarming trend across Nigeria in recent times, with Nigerian building construction professionals, regulatory bodies, and the government earning massive distrust from the public due to this problem.

While Churches, schools, residential and organizational infrastructures, even buildings under construction have been affected by these unfortunate occurrences, it is sad to note that the incident still persists.

Alarmingly, incessant building collapses in Nigeria have led to loss of lives, and jobs, and eroded confidence in the real estate industry.

According to the latest report by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Nigeria witnessed a total of 553 building collapses between 1974 and April 13th, 2023.

The report also indicated that Lagos State had recorded a high collapse, with over 326 buildings caving in the last 49 years.

A United Kingdom-Based Architect, Adebayo Adejola, says lack of professional consciousness, non-adherence to standards, usage of recycled construction materials and poor economic situations are some of the factors causing building collapses in Nigeria.

“In recent times, adherence to professionalism has been jettisoned for economic exigency, and I have also discovered that the standard of materials used is a factor” he stated.
The Architect also noted that negligence, incompetence, and faulty construction are some other major causes of building collapse.

On September 12th, 2014, a six-storey guest house belonging to the Synagogue Church Of All Nations collapsed, killing over 100 people, most of them foreigners.

Another tragic case was the 21-storey building collapse along Gerrard Road in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State on November 1st, 2021.

A visit to these collapsed scenes makes one to wonder why such a building should have been allowed to stand in the first instance and also reveals the extent people can go to cut corners at the expense of property, safety and lives.
Mr Adejola called on the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON, to carry out its mandate more effectively.

According to him, there is also a need for the government to get tough on the construction industry and prevent future incidents.