By Adamu Aminu.
The menace of building collapses has cast a long shadow over Nigeria, claiming over 200 lives and injuring more than 500 people between 2020 and 2024. The statistics are a stark reminder of the country’s struggle to ensure safety and sustainability in its built environment.
Lagos State, a hub of construction activity, accounts for around 45% of collapses due to high construction density. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these tragedies, the causes of building collapses come into sharp focus.
Weak foundations, illegal construction, structural failure, corruption in approvals, poor materials, and lack of enforcement have all contributed to this crisis. The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has identified professional ineptitude, excessive loading, use of substandard materials, faulty design, poor workmanship, and weak foundations as key factors.
The BCPG’s report that Nigeria recorded 604 building collapses between 1974 and May 2024, with Lagos State accounting for 57.28% of these incidents, is a clarion call for action. The Federal Government, under the leadership of Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has responded with determination.
Recently, the Minister inaugurated an expanded Ministerial Task Team on building collapse, comprising representatives of key professional bodies and regulatory agencies. This task team is tasked with examining the root causes of building collapse, proposing practical solutions, and developing a comprehensive roadmap for addressing systemic challenges.
The Minister’s emphasis on a holistic approach and collaboration across professions underscores the complexity of the issue. “The issue of building collapse is not the responsibility of any one profession but a deeply interconnected challenge,” he noted.
The Minister Dangiwa’s commitment to supporting the committee’s work is evident in his directive to the Permanent Secretary to ensure the necessary resources and coordination mechanisms are in place.
As the task team embarks on its mission, the nation waits with bated breath for the outcome. As the Hausa proverb says “Riga Kafi Yafi Magani” meaning “Prevention is better than cure” which serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive measures.
With the Minister Dangiwa’s commitment and the task team’s expertise, there is hope that Nigeria’s built environment can be transformed. The future looks brighter, with possibilities of safer buildings, reduced risks, and a more resilient infrastructure.
The inauguration of the expanded Ministerial Task Team marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to tackle the menace of building collapse. As Nigeria embarks on this journey, one thing is certain – the future of its built environment looks brighter than ever.
Adamu Aminu writes from Abuja and can be reached via adamuaminu40@gmail.com