The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) has taken to the streets to raise awareness about the alarming frequency of building collapses in the country.
A peaceful rally, named “Walk Against Building and Infrastructure Collapse,” was held in the state capital, drawing attention to the critical issue of structural integrity and safety.
The rally was led by the National Vice Chairman of NICE, Grace Amusan, alongside the State Chairman, Ismail Adeyemi. In their address following the walk, the leaders emphasized that it was time for concerted action to address the persistent menace of building collapses. They stressed the importance of public engagement and the need to involve qualified professionals in construction projects.
Amusan and Adeyemi appealed to Nigerians to prioritize the use of certified civil engineers when building homes, warning that opting for unqualified contractors in an effort to cut costs often results in disastrous consequences. “The essence of today’s walk is to say no to quackery and encourage the public to hire professional civil engineers,” Amusan stated. “Many people believe that it’s costly to hire experts, but the cost of a building collapse, in terms of lives and property, is far greater.”
The civil engineers highlighted the safety and financial benefits of working with professionals, noting that the services of qualified engineers are not only more reliable but can also be more affordable in the long run, preventing potentially catastrophic structural failures.
The rally participants called on the government at all levels to introduce regulations that mandate the use of professionals for all construction projects, ensuring safer structures across the nation. The engineers also underscored the importance of enforcing building codes and regulations to protect both human life and property.
With the increasing frequency of building collapses across Nigeria, the NICE walk served as a crucial reminder of the importance of structural safety, urging the public to make informed decisions when constructing buildings.
