Building Collapses in Nigeria: Council Blames Government Negligence

A surge in building collapses in Nigeria has led to multiple deaths, with the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria pointing to government negligence in law enforcement as the primary cause. According to the council’s chairman, Dr. Samson Opaluwah, the lack of effective enforcement of laws is to blame for the continued occurrence of these tragic incidents.

The latest collapse occurred on Saturday in Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where four people were rescued from a two-residential-storey building. This incident comes just a day after a school building in Jos collapsed, killing at least 22 people and injuring 132 others.

Dr. Opaluwah emphasized the need for severe punishment for those found responsible for the collapses, stating that "the challenge we have now is government enforcement of its laws. We need to punish those who have been found wanting in the past."

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild’s recent report reveals that Nigeria has recorded at least 135 building collapse incidents and 26 deaths between 2022 and 2024. The council’s chairman believes that it is essential to address this issue to prevent further tragedies.

The recent building collapses in Nigeria have raised concerns about the country’s building regulations and the need for stricter enforcement of laws to ensure public safety.