In Nigeria, the persistent and troubling trend of building collapses highlights critical issues within the nation’s construction industry and the nation in general.
The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) said Nigeria experienced 135 building collapse incidents and at least 26 deaths in 30 months with the most recent incident occurring in Kubwa, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Another report by Brookings Institution recorded two collapses in 2020 and three in 2021, which were relatively low, compared to previous years.
Even at a conservative estimate of N140 million per building, that would amount to 20 billion lost over the last five years.
On the other hand, the BCPG said Nigeria witnessed about 604 building collapses between 1974 and May 30, 2024. But by NATIONAL ECONOMY’s update, the incidents of building collapse over the period are at least 608.
The report indicated that Lagos State recorded 57.28 per cent over the total collapse with over 346 buildings caving in the last 50 years.
To highlight the growing frequency of building collapse in Nigeria, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has reported that there have been 22 incidents and 33 deaths recorded between January and July 2024.
COREN president, Sadiq Abubakar, detailed the geographical spread of the collapses, noting that Lagos State accounted for 27.27 per cent of the incidents, while FCT Abuja and Anambra State each reported 18.18 per cent. Ekiti and Plateau States followed with 9.09 per cent each, and Kano, Taraba, and Niger States each reported 4.55 per cent.This alarming statistic underscores the critical issues of poor building code enforcement and inadequate regulation that have plagued Nigeria’s construction industry for nearly five decades.
The BCPG’s findings point to professional incompetence as a significant cause of building collapses. This includes excessive loading, use of substandard materials, faulty design, poor workmanship, and weak foundations. These issues are exacerbated by the lack of adherence to building codes and standards, which should ideally mitigate such risks.
For 20 years, Nigeria has ranked number one in the frequency and intensity of building collapse in Africa, according to Brookings Institute. The collapse of a 21-story building in November 2021 in Ikoyi, Lagos, which killed at least 52 people and seriously injured 10 others in 2021, the collapse of the Reigners’ Bible Church International, which killed 160 persons in 2016, and the Synagogue Church of All Nations, which killed 116 persons in 2014, are just a few examples of the severity of building and structural collapse in the country.
The tragic collapse of the 21-storey building on Gerrard Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, on November 1, 2021, serves as a poignant example. The coroner, Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, attributed the disaster to the irresponsibility and negligence of government agencies tasked with ensuring adherence to building regulations. The building’s density and site setbacks grossly violated Lagos State Building Regulations, yet these violations were not adequately addressed by the regulatory bodies.
It would seem as though the effective monitoring of construction sites is severely hampered by the understaffing of regulatory agencies. With about 48,000 construction sites in Lagos alone, the manpower shortage in the Lagos State Building Control Agency significantly impedes proper oversight. David Majekodunmi, Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of the Nigeria Institute of Architects, emphasised that the existing staff is insufficient to monitor the vast number of ongoing constructions, leading to inadequate enforcement of building codes.
Moreover, weak regulatory frameworks and the lack of prosecution for professional misconduct further contribute to the problem. Kunle Awobodu, a former President of the Nigerian Institute of Builders, noted that many quacks are emboldened by the failure of regulatory bodies to prosecute and convict those responsible for building collapses. The gap between policy formulation and implementation is stark, with regulatory agencies failing to follow up on approved building plans to ensure compliance during the construction phase.
The impact of poor building code enforcement in Nigeria is multifaceted, affecting not only the safety and well-being of citizens but also the credibility of the construction industry. The high incidence of building collapses undermines public trust in the safety of buildings and deters potential investments in the real estate sector.
The chief executive at Grand Spaces Architects Ltd., Simeon Kemakolam, noted that apart from safety and confidence issues, the economic and financial implications of building collapses are enormous. He said the loss of property and the costs associated with rescue operations, investigations, and rebuilding efforts strain both private and public resources. “Additionally, the economic productivity lost due to these collapses and the ensuing disruptions further exacerbate the financial burden.
“The human toll is perhaps the most tragic aspect. The collapse of the 21-storey building in Ikoyi claimed multiple lives, including the property owner and several others. Each collapse brings with it stories of lost lives, injuries, and bereaved families, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes to protect human lives.
“The recent Jos Plateau school collapse, which left 22 students dead and 132 injured, is a classic example of the toll such incidents can exact on friends, relatives, and the general public. For instance, the story is told of a woman who lost four children in that incident,” he noted.
Kemakolam said there is an urgent need to strengthen regulatory frameworks governing the construction industry. He said this includes revising existing building codes to incorporate modern standards and practices, and ensuring these codes are strictly enforced. “Regular audits and inspections should be mandated to ensure compliance,” he stressed.
Speaking on regulation, the chief executive at Dornesi Project, Theodore Omokpo, said addressing the understaffing of regulatory agencies is critical. He stated that increasing the number of qualified personnel in building control agencies will improve monitoring and enforcement. He added that providing continuous training for these staff members will ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively oversee construction activities.
Omokpo further said to deter professional ineptitude and quackery, strict penalties should be imposed on those found guilty of violating building codes. “Regulatory bodies must be empowered to prosecute and convict individuals and organizations responsible for substandard construction practices. This will serve as a deterrent and promote adherence to regulations,” he said.
He also said engaging professional bodies such as the Nigeria Institute of Architects and the Nigerian Institute of Builders in the regulatory process can enhance oversight and accountability. These organizations can provide expertise and support in monitoring construction activities and ensuring adherence to best practices.
It is noteworthy that increasing public awareness about the importance of adhering to building codes and the dangers of substandard construction can drive demand for safer buildings. Similarly, educational campaigns targeting developers, contractors, and the general public can help instill a culture of safety and compliance.
The frequent building collapses in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, are a stark reminder of the consequences of poor building code enforcement and inadequate regulatory oversight. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, regulatory bodies, professional organisations, and the public. By strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing agency capacities, imposing strict penalties, raising public awareness, and leveraging technology, Nigeria can significantly reduce the incidence of building collapses and ensure the safety and integrity of its built environment.
