Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, has urged all Nigerian states to adopt national building laws to curb the frequent cases of building collapses.
Speaking at the 55th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in Abakaliki, Anyim said the laws provide the foundation for safe and sustainable construction.
“The laws set minimum standards for design, construction, and maintenance. They also mandate professional certification while preventing quackery and unapproved projects,” he explained.
Anyim noted that some states have domesticated the laws, aligning with global best practices. However, many states are still behind, creating gaps in regulation.
“Where domestication is absent, enforcement is weak. This results in collapses, fire hazards, substandard projects, and urban disorder,” he warned.
He called for full adoption of the laws across all 36 states and the FCT, stressing that compliance would protect lives, attract investments, and build a resilient Nigeria.
Anyim commended the NIOB for advancing discussions on safety and thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for hosting the conference. He also appealed to professional bodies, regulators, and governments to support stronger enforcement.
“Builders must not only comply but also advocate for institutionalisation. This is how we restore public trust and ensure safer cities,” he concluded.
