Fresh concerns have emerged over Nigeria’s recurring building collapse crisis, with industry experts warning that failures in design, construction, and supervision continue to put lives and investments at risk.
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has attributed the persistent problem to a mix of technical lapses and human decisions across different stages of construction.
Speaking in Lagos during a professional event, the institute’s president, Aminu Bashir, said building collapse cannot be traced to a single cause, stressing that responsibility often cuts across multiple actors involved in a project.
He explained that while some structures may begin with sound architectural and engineering designs, compromises during execution frequently undermine the integrity of such projects. According to him, professionals handling construction sometimes cut corners, a practice that significantly increases the risk of structural failure.
Bashir noted that in some cases, projects are initiated without proper input from qualified engineers, while others suffer from poor professional advice or weak adherence to approved plans. He warned that even a well-designed building could fail if standards are ignored during implementation.
The NIQS president also pointed to regulatory gaps, stating that oversight failures remain a critical part of the problem. He said authorities responsible for monitoring construction activities often fail to carry out proper inspections before approving progression from one stage of work to another.
According to him, the consequences of these lapses are evident in the growing number of building failures recorded across the country, many of which have resulted in casualties, financial losses, and public anxiety.
He emphasised that tackling the crisis requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including designers, contractors, regulators, and project supervisors. From planning and procurement to execution and monitoring, he said every stage must be handled with strict professionalism to ensure safety.
Bashir added that the institute is considering engagement with Bola Tinubu as part of broader efforts to align construction practices with national development priorities.
He noted that effective cost management and professional oversight would play a key role in delivering infrastructure projects under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Industry observers say the latest warning reinforces growing calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and greater accountability within Nigeria’s construction sector.
With urban development accelerating across major cities, experts maintain that failure to address systemic weaknesses could lead to more structural disasters, further eroding public confidence in the country’s regulatory framework.
