Building Collapses in Nigeria: A Growing Concern

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has sounded the alarm on the alarming rate of building collapses in the country. According to the regulatory body, Nigeria recorded 22 building collapses between January and July 2024, with Lagos taking the lead in the incidence of building collapse.

At a news conference in Abuja, COREN President Sadiq Abubakar revealed that Lagos accounted for 27.27% of the total cases, followed by Abuja and Anambra with 18.18% each. Ekiti and Plateau states accounted for 9.09% each, while Kano, Taraba, and Niger states accounted for 4.55% each.

The statistics are staggering, with over 91 buildings collapsing in Lagos alone, resulting in the deaths of over 354 people since 2012. In Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed, resulting in the deaths of more than 64 people and many injuries.

The causes of building collapse vary from one location to another, according to Abubakar. Aging buildings, the use of substandard construction materials, and structural failure are among the leading causes. Other factors include illegal change of use of buildings, illegal addition of floors, quackery, and inadequate or lack of supervision and oversight.

Abubakar emphasized that it is not the time for blame or competition within the built environment, but rather a time for all stakeholders to unite and find lasting solutions to prevent building collapses. He commended the affected state governments for constituting panels of inquiry to investigate the causes of the collapses and prevent future occurrences.

COREN has taken steps to monitor and prevent building collapses, including training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors. The council has also reconstituted its Council Committee on Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) and added an additional role of enforcement to its responsibility.

The proliferation of illegal mining in residential areas is also a concern, as it poses a danger to the structural stability of buildings. COREN has urged affected states to take urgent steps to reverse the trend and enforce the compulsory insurance of some buildings under construction.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that building collapses in Nigeria are a growing concern that requires immediate attention and action from all stakeholders.