The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has launched an investigation into the recent building collapse in the Gaduwa District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, promising sanctions against any individuals or organisations found responsible.

The Registrar of COREN, Prof. Okorie Uche, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists and stakeholders in Durumi 3, near Gudu Market, Abuja.

According to him, an investigative panel has already been constituted to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the collapse, with work expected to begin within the next two weeks.

He said the probe will also identify all engineers, contractors, and developers linked to the project for appropriate regulatory action.

Preliminary findings, he noted, have already revealed discrepancies regarding the identity of the engineer initially linked to the project.

“We have been able to establish that the person being paraded as the engineer on the site is not the actual person responsible,” he said.

Prof. Uche explained that although the individual named on the project signage is an engineering personnel, he is not a registered engineer qualified to act as a consultant on such a project.

He further clarified that the engineering profession operates within defined cadres, including engineers, technologists, technicians, and craftsmen, stressing that only registered engineers are legally permitted to serve as consultants on construction projects.

“The engineering profession consists of four cadres — engineers, technologists, technicians and craftsmen — but only a registered engineer can legally function as a consultant on this type of project,” he stated.

The COREN registrar also revealed that the registration number displayed on the project belongs to a different individual identified as an engineering technologist, prompting the council to summon both parties for clarification.

He added that the consultant whose name appeared on the site claimed to have withdrawn from the project earlier in May.

According to him, COREN will carefully review all submissions before reaching a conclusion, adding that all involved parties will be subjected to professional scrutiny.

Prof. Uche blamed some developers for bypassing regulatory processes and engaging unqualified personnel, warning that such practices compromise public safety.

He also raised concerns about the widespread use of substandard building materials in Nigeria, noting that many imported products fail to meet required engineering standards.

According to him, laboratory tests on materials from the collapsed structure revealed that the concrete strength was below specification.

“The concrete was expected to attain a strength of 25 newtons per millimetre square, but when tested it was only 18,” he said.

He also alleged that reinforcement rods in the market are often mislabelled, creating serious structural risks for buildings nationwide.

“You may see a reinforcement rod labelled Y-16, but when measured it is actually Y-14,” he explained.

Prof. Uche called for stronger collaboration between COREN, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to curb recurring building failures.

He also acknowledged funding constraints facing the council following its defunding in 2023, noting that this has affected operations into 2026.

Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulation and reducing building collapses across the country.

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The collapse of a two-storey building under construction in the Jikwoyi area of Abuja has once again brought the issue of unregulated developments in the Federal Capital Territory into sharp focus, with authorities moving swiftly to enforce accountability.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of the building owner, describing the incident as a direct consequence of disregard for laid-down construction procedures.

The structure, reportedly being developed for hotel use, caved in while still under construction, leaving several workers injured but recording no fatalities.

During an on-site inspection, the minister disclosed that the project had no official approval from the relevant authorities, particularly the Development Control Department, raising serious concerns about compliance with building regulations in the capital city.

He noted that despite receiving a stop-work notice from regulatory officials, the developer continued construction, a move he said ultimately led to the collapse. According to him, the absence of approval meant that the quality of materials and structural integrity of the building were never verified by authorities.

In response, the FCT Administration has revoked the land allocation covering about 2,500 square metres and announced plans to take over the site for public use, subject to consultation with the host community.

The minister warned that the government would no longer tolerate illegal construction activities, stressing that any structure erected without proper approval would be demolished to prevent loss of lives and protect urban planning standards. 

He also directed officials of Development Control to intensify enforcement by not only issuing notices but taking decisive action against non-compliant buildings across the territory.

The incident adds to growing concerns about building safety in Abuja, where rapid urban expansion has increasingly clashed with enforcement gaps, leading to repeated cases of structural failure. Analysts say stricter monitoring and compliance mechanisms will be critical in preventing future occurrences.

The post Abuja Building Collapse: Wike Orders Arrest of Owner Over Illegal Construction appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Acting Director General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has called on Nigerians to engage only certified professionals for building projects, especially during the rainy season, as part of efforts to prevent structural failures and protect lives.

This advice follows the collapse of a building under construction in the Abuja Metro area, which trapped three individuals. Two of the victims were rescued almost immediately, while the third was extricated hours later with a broken leg, according to a report from Abuja Metro.

Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, the FEMD Acting Director General stressed the importance of ensuring structural integrity from the foundation stage of any building project.

“This is the rainy season; builders must check the foundations of their structures and quickly correct any anomalies,” he said, warning that neglecting early signs of weakness could have fatal consequences.

The DG further cautioned against the widespread use of substandard and counterfeit building materials, which he identified as a major contributor to building collapses across Nigeria.

“Many of these tragic incidents are avoidable. They happen because some people cut corners by using fake or low-quality materials, and this must stop,” he stated.

He also extended his gratitude to stakeholders, particularly the construction firms and emergency responders, for their swift action during the recent building collapse. “Your timely intervention made all the difference and ensured lives were saved,” he noted.

The FEMD reiterated its commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight and public sensitisation to improve safety in the construction industry.

The incident has once again spotlighted the urgent need for compliance with building regulations, as authorities urge all contractors and property developers to adhere strictly to standards set by professional bodies and regulatory agencies.

The post FCT Development Chief Urges Builders to Engage Professionals Amid Building Collapse Concerns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A statement from the Council on Thursday, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Bldr. Adetunji Adeniran, commended ‘timely efforts made by relevant government agencies, led by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Uche Nnaji to assure citizens of their safety and allay the fear of residents.’

The Council said: ‘The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) notes the recent earth tremors experienced in Abuja, particularly in Mpape and surrounding areas.’

READ ALSO: NASRDA Calls for Action Against Illegal Mining in Abuja Following Earth Tremors

‘While assurances have been given by relevant agencies that the tremors pose no immediate environmental threat, CORBON hereby emphasizes the need for appropriate safety precautions and proactive measures to be taken on all buildings in the affected areas.’

‘Specifically, CORBON urges relevant stakeholders and government agencies including the Department of Development Control, property owners, and the general public to conduct thorough structural integrity tests, including non destructive tests (NDT) on residential, commercial and public buildings in the affected area.’

READ ALSO: Concerns Rise as Earth Tremors Shake Abuja Communities

While calling on all relevant stakeholders to collaborate with Registered Builders and other experts to assess and address potential vulnerabilities of all the buildings in the affected areas, the Council said they should also prioritize safety and structural integrity in construction and maintenance practices.

‘CORBON remains committed to promoting global best practice in the building industry and ensuring public safety,’ the statement said, adding that the Council will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance as necessary..

The post CORBON Calls for Thorough Assessment of Buildings in Areas Affected by Earth Tremors appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Daily Trust reports that a section of the two-story building, formerly known as Halal Hotel and located along Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki Way, Phase 2, Site 2, Kubwa, collapsed around 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The building had been converted to a hospital and later used as a residential apartment with about 45 self-contained rooms.

The last rescued victim, a corps member, was brought out unconscious by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), FCT Emergency Management Department (FEM), FCT Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and Nigeria Police Force. The corps member was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital.

READ ALSO: Multiple Trapped in Abuja as Four-Storey Building Collapses

Two other victims, Abdullahi Masud and a female guest, had escaped before the building collapsed and were taken to the hospital. Masud, who was seen at the hospital, recounted how a neighbor had alerted him to a cracked wall near the staircase.

“I later noticed an unfamiliar sound from several parts of the building while I was taking my bath in the morning. I managed to run out naked. I learned that other people were able to escape too, leaving only one lady stranded at the time,” Masud said.

The Acting Director General of FEMD, Mrs. Florence Dawon Wenegieme, stated that the search and rescue efforts would continue until responders reached ground zero.

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