By Tony Ezike
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has renewed its call for the immediate domestication of the National Building Code, among other recommendations, as a critical step toward curbing the increasing incidents of building collapses in Nigeria.
This call was made following the collapse of a two-storey building adjacent to Fun Surge Hotel on Club Road, Awka, Anambra State, commonly known as Abakaliki Street. The building reportedly collapsed around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, after hours of heavy rainfall.
A joint inspection team from the NIOB, led by Anambra State Chapter Chairman, Bldr Nweke Kingsley and the National 1st Vice Chairman South-East and South-South Builders in Private Sector, Bldr Chijioke Okeke, has expressed concern over the growing cases of building collapses in the state. They emphasized that these incidents could only be addressed if the government, professional bodies, and real estate developers collaborate as recommended by experts in the built environment.
Following their assessment of the collapsed building at the interim, the NIOB officials identified the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices as major contributors to the collapse. They observed the use of substandard 12mm rods, improper spacing, and inadequate curing of concrete. The team also noted structural deficiencies, including a column supporting a beam from the top floor that was inadequately supported by a slab, with no corresponding column underneath. It is obvious that the building lacks the services of a Builder.
The Commander of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon. Ugochukwu Nwimo, was also present at the scene to seal off the affected premises. Nwimo emphasized ACTDA’s role in building approval but clarified that his department is specifically responsible for enforcement, not approval of buildings. He assured that those responsible for the building would either show up or be apprehended once the site was sealed.
Nwimo confirmed that the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, along with officials from other professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), had inspected the site already. He added that the remaining part of the structure would be demolished to prevent further danger.
Bldr Chijioke Okeke described the incident as a tragic waste of resources but expressed relief that no lives were lost. He reiterated that building construction is a professional activity requiring strict adherence to standards and called on the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to leverage the state’s abundant human resources to deliver on his promise of a prosperous homeland.
Bldr Okeke also urged the Anambra State Fiscal Planning Board and ACTDA to enhance their building approval processes by involving all construction professionals. He stressed the importance of implementing the recommendations from previous investigations into building collapses, particularly those at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) and Ochanja Market, Onitsha. He noted that if these recommendations were enforced, incidents of building collapse in the state could be significantly reduced.
Anambra State NIOB Chairman, Bldr Nweke Kingsley, also emphasized the importance of proper training and certification for construction personnel as a proactive measure to prevent building collapses. He advised developers to hire certified professionals, including architects for designs and structural engineers for structural designs and detailings, and a builder for execution and construction, ensuring that the materials and craftsmanship used meet the required standards.
Commenting on the collapsed building, Bldr Nweke criticized the developer for engaging in substandard practices. “The application of reinforcement, concrete mix, and beam spans were all below standard. Some of the columns from the top floor were not properly supported, which led to structural failure.”
He added that the heavy rain likely worsened the situation by weakening the foundation, urging developers to always engage professionals at every stage of construction to prevent future tragedies.
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