The recent collapse of a school building in Jos, Plateau State, which claimed the lives of 21 students, has once again brought to the forefront the alarming issue of building collapses in Nigeria. This tragic incident, which occurred while students were sitting for an exam, has been described by local authorities as an “avoidable tragedy” due to the school’s weak structure and unsafe location near a riverbank.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Nigeria has been grappling with a recurring problem of building collapses, particularly in the bustling city of Lagos, which has been referred to as the “building-collapse capital of Nigeria.” In the past 12 years, Lagos has experienced at least 90 building collapses, resulting in more than 350 fatalities.
One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 2021 when a 21-story luxury apartment block under construction collapsed in the upscale Ikoyi neighborhood, claiming the lives of 42 individuals. The investigation into this collapse has reportedly remained with the state governor since it was submitted in 2022, with the findings not yet disclosed to the public.
Causes and Factors Contributing to Building Collapses
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has identified several factors contributing to the high rate of building collapses in the country. From January to July 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded 22 building collapse incidents, with Lagos accounting for 27.27% of the cases, followed by Abuja and Anambra at 18.18% each.
According to COREN’s investigations, the leading causes of building collapses vary from one location to another, but they are often attributed to the use of substandard construction materials, structural failure, illegal changes in building use, and inadequate supervision. Other factors include faulty foundations, lack of soil/geotechnical investigations, and corrupt practices.
Recent Legal and Governmental Actions
In response to the alarming frequency of building collapses, several legal and governmental actions have been taken:
1. Enforcement of the National Building Code: The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has advocated for the urgent enforcement of the National Building Code, which, despite being approved, has not been fully implemented. CORBON recommends enacting laws to ensure compliance, particularly focusing on the provisions requiring the submission of detailed construction and quality management plans by registered builders.
2. Training of Investigators: Recognizing the need for specialized expertise in investigating building collapses, COREN has initiated programs to develop a critical mass of forensic engineering investigators. This includes collaboration with the Nigeria Building and Roads Research Institute to improve investigation processes and provide better oversight in the construction industry.
3. Local Government Initiatives: State and local governments have been encouraged to domesticate the National Building Code within their jurisdictions. This includes issuing Executive Orders to enforce compliance with construction safety standards, specifically targeting the methodology and project management aspects of building projects.
4. Accountability Measures: Despite existing regulations, there has been a significant lack of accountability in the construction sector. Calls have been made for stricter enforcement of laws and the prosecution of developers and contractors who violate building regulations. However, challenges such as political influence and insufficient enforcement continue to hinder progress.
Lack of Accountability and Enforcement
Despite the existence of these regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent, and the system often fails to hold violators accountable. In Lagos, for example, the building control agency is severely understaffed, with only about 300 inspectors for a state with millions of buildings. Even when violations are discovered after a collapse, legal action is rarely pursued, often due to political influence and corruption.
Efforts to Address the Crisis
In response to the recent building collapses, the Nigerian government has taken some steps to address the issue. The Plateau State government has instructed local hospitals to provide treatment without documentation or payment to those affected by the Jos school building collapse. Additionally, schools with similar safety issues have been urged to close down.
COREN has also taken measures to monitor and prevent building collapses, such as training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors, reconstituting its Council Committee on ERM, and establishing ERM&E Task Forces at regional levels. The council has also initiated efforts to develop a critical mass of engineering infrastructure failure and forensic investigators.
Conclusion
The recurring tragedy of building collapses in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the construction industry. Stricter enforcement of building codes, increased oversight, and greater accountability for those responsible are crucial steps in preventing such disasters. Additionally, investing in infrastructure, providing adequate resources for building inspectors, and promoting ethical practices in the construction sector can help mitigate the risk of future building collapses.As Nigeria continues to experience rapid development, it is essential that the safety and well-being of its citizens remain the top priority. By addressing the systemic issues that contribute to building collapses and ensuring that proper measures are in place, Nigeria can work towards a future where tragedies like the Jos school building collapse become a thing of the past.
By Joseph Johnston
Youth Editor
Egogonewshub
