In response to the growing crisis of building collapses in Nigeria, leading organizations and professionals across the construction industry have joined forces to implement robust measures for safety.
At a national conference held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, John Eno, emphasized the urgent need for heightened safety standards, stating that adherence to such standards is the “bedrock of sustainable development” in Nigeria’s building sector.
The conference, themed “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building/Construction Sector,” was organized by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and brought together key stakeholders, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), and other professionals from across the industry.
Highlighting the scale of the problem, Eno noted that Lagos State has recorded over 351 building collapses in the past 50 years, making up more than half of the nation’s 635 incidents. He stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety, stating, “The security of lives and property is a priority, and addressing the ongoing issue of building collapses is paramount.”
COREN President Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar underscored the necessity of enforcing codes and standards that are specifically tailored to Nigeria’s environmental and structural needs. “While foreign standards like Eurocodes are sometimes adopted, Nigeria must have its own codes to address local conditions and prevent future incidents,” Abubakar said.
Adding to the conversation, SON Director-General Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke pointed out the need for greater industry-wide awareness and education on safety standards. “Many builders, suppliers, and professionals are still unaware of crucial standards for safe construction,” he remarked, calling for comprehensive training initiatives to align the workforce with international safety practices. Okeke also highlighted the challenge of meeting Nigeria’s rapidly growing demand for affordable housing while ensuring quality and safety are not compromised.
With a shared resolve to enhance regulatory frameworks, improve public awareness, and adopt innovative building materials, SON, COREN, HDAN, CORBON, and other allied bodies reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the building collapse crisis. This unified approach marks a significant step toward creating safer, more resilient cities across Nigeria.
