Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), discussed several critical issues affecting the construction industry in an interview with Damilola Aina. He highlighted the frequent failure of construction sites to follow approved plans, the shortage of technical schools, and the alarming rate of building collapses across the country. While quackery was once identified as a major cause of these failures, recent incidents point to professional negligence as a more pressing problem. Opaluwah emphasized that every stakeholder on a building site must be examined to determine who fulfilled their responsibilities and who did not. The lack of qualified professionals who perform their roles correctly and efficiently is evident, and any mismatch—such as an engineer acting as a quantity surveyor or a builder taking on an architect’s duties—can lead to collapse. He stressed that adherence to the rule of law and proper licensing are essential to prevent such disasters.
Regarding the Gwarimpa incident, Opaluwah questioned how a green area, designated by town planners, became a site for physical development. He argued that if design and approval processes are correctly followed, the location should not matter; what matters is the appropriate design, construction methodology, and technology. Subsoil investigations and geotechnical engineering are crucial for ensuring a sound foundation, regardless of ground conditions. He noted that no builder was involved in the Gwarimpa project, which is alarming because building is a specialized profession that requires expertise. Without qualified professionals, the risk of collapse increases dramatically.
When a building collapses, the immediate priority is rescuing lives, but valuable evidence can be lost or tampered with during the chaos. Builders, however, support emergency agencies and focus on investigating the cause by reviewing approved documents and production management records. Key questions include whether the contractor or developer employed the four professional practice tools: construction programme and scheduling, project quality management plans, construction methodology/technology, and health and safety plans. It is essential to verify who prepared these documents, whether they were used, and if they were suitable for the specific site. A major challenge in construction is securing qualified personnel; unregistered workers are not bound by professional codes of conduct, leading to non‑compliance and unsafe practices. Opaluwah called for greater respect for laws, expertise, training, and experience to prevent further heartaches.
The Project Evaluation & Monitoring Unit established by CORBON serves as a public service to inspect and monitor building sites for compliance. Initially, this initiative faced resistance, reflecting a broader societal reluctance to obey regulations. Opaluwah argued that developers must submit comprehensive construction documents before receiving planning approval, and any deviation on site creates a compliance gap. Since the government cannot monitor every site continuously, professional bodies must assist in enforcement. The widespread use of substandard building materials exacerbates the problem; the market offers multiple quality grades for the same specification, and without a discerning eye, lower‑quality products are often supplied. Even cement is sometimes adulterated with sand or sawdust. Opaluwah urged a collaborative effort between regulatory bodies and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to enforce quality management plans for every project. Collapses often result not from developer ignorance but from substandard materials, improper placement, or poor handling.
On the effectiveness of the National Building Code, Opaluwah asserted that the code itself is sound; the issue lies in its poor implementation. The code outlines professional responsibilities for each stage of construction, but without enforcement, it cannot achieve its purpose. Because building regulation falls on the concurrent list, both federal and state governments must enact supporting laws. While three states have already done so, broader legislative action is needed. The recent induction of 373 builders—CORBON’s largest single‑day intake—signifies a growing pool of qualified professionals who understand their responsibilities and the sanctions for non‑compliance.
Regarding the arrest of officials deemed responsible for the Gwarimpa collapse, Opaluwah supported decisive action. Professionals are bound by an oath of conduct to protect society, and any contravention should trigger an investigation, tribunal review, and appropriate sanctions. He emphasized that sanctions serve as deterrents and that those who ignore approved plans lack integrity, regardless of excuses. CORBON has endorsed the FCT minister’s orders and offered assistance in the investigation and prosecution, insisting that a thorough inquiry determine each party’s role.
Finally, Opaluwah addressed the dearth of technical schools, attributing it to historical changes in the education system. The shift to a 6‑3‑3‑4 structure devalued technical education, leading many to pursue secondary education instead of vocational training. This stigma reduced the production of artisans, technicians, and technologists. Frequent building collapses undermine public confidence in safety under any roof in Nigeria. Opaluwah concluded that with proper safety factors, robust design, and qualified professionals, such failures should be preventable.
Comments are closed for this story.