The Minister of State for Trade and Investment (Industry), Senator John Owan Enoh, has called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and key industry stakeholders to unify efforts in combating the persistent issue of building collapses in Nigeria.
Speaking at the National Conference on the Building and Construction Sector, held in Abuja, Enoh underscored the urgent need for industry-wide collaboration to reinforce standards and prevent further loss of life and property.
The conference, themed “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building/Construction Sector,” gathered notable figures from the industry, including engineers, builders, town planners, architects, and regulators, to address the causes of construction failures and to chart a path toward a safer, more resilient building sector.
In his address, Enoh emphasized that aligning construction practices with approved standards is crucial to national safety and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic growth. “Putting a stop to the unending incidents of building and construction collapses requires courage and unity among all stakeholders. Adhering strictly to agreed standards will significantly contribute to the administration’s priority of safeguarding lives and property,” he stated.
The minister expressed concern over a growing culture of disregard for standards in the construction sector, where compromised materials and practices are becoming alarmingly common. He lamented that “compromising on standards has almost become the norm,” and added that such actions “pose a threat to the robustness and sustainability of Nigeria’s most critical infrastructure sector.”
Enoh praised SON for hosting the conference and highlighted the need for a proactive regulatory environment, stating, “My hope is that the discussions here will resonate across Nigeria, impacting not only the building and construction sector but also instilling a broader culture of accountability.”
He emphasized that focusing on pre-construction standards and a strict enforcement framework is essential to fostering resilience and promoting a safe and sustainable built environment.
Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Director General of SON, echoed the minister’s call for unified action, emphasizing that SON is adopting a proactive approach to ensure up-to-date standards that respond to industry advancements. “We are committed to reducing substandard products by updating standards and aligning them with global best practices,” Okeke stated.
He further emphasized that SON’s mission is to build a resilient construction sector that supports economic growth and social development. “Collaboration is crucial in bridging knowledge gaps, promoting adherence to standards, and creating a culture of quality and accountability across the sector,” he added.
The President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Prof. A.Z. Abubakar who was represented by Engr. Olaolu Ogunduyile, Vice President of COREN, urged SON to engage stakeholders actively in their regulatory processes. He stressed that cooperation among regulatory bodies, professional associations, and trade unions is essential to uphold the codes and standards that underpin sustainable development in the built environment. “As professionals, we must adhere to our codes of conduct and practice, ensuring they form the foundation of sustainable development within the industry,” he stated.
Highlighting the role of professional accountability, Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), reaffirmed CORBON’s dedication to strict standards, saying, “Collaboration among stakeholders is key to curbing building collapses in Nigeria. We will continue to adhere to standard practices to ensure a better building sector.”
Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, called for a united front against quackery in the industry. “All stakeholders must join hands to combat substandard practices and materials in construction,” she urged. “Addressing these issues is essential to prevent the devastation caused by building collapses.”
The Minister’s remarks, calling for courage and commitment, struck a chord with attendees. He assured the audience of the federal government’s support, adding that the Renewed Hope Administration under President Tinubu is fully committed to enhancing the sector’s standards.
Professor Samson Duna, Director General and CEO of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), called for an end to the incessant building collapses across the country, urging SON and stakeholders to ensure that all processes and procedures in building and construction are strictly followed. “Every professional in the sector must know their role and collaborate with others rather than interfering in the work of another professional body,” he added.
The event enjoyed the support of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) and prominent members of the foremost housing advocacy group in Africa were present. The conference served as a unifying platform for stakeholders to discuss solutions, share insights, and strengthen partnerships, to build a safer and more sustainable future for Nigeria’s construction sector.
