FG Launches Forensic Engineering Programme After 321 Deaths in Building Collapses

The Federal Government has inaugurated a new initiative aimed at strengthening the investigation of engineering failures in Nigeria following a study that recorded 111 validated building collapse incidents and 321 deaths between 2015 and 2025.

The initiative, known as the Certified Forensic Engineering Failure Investigator (CEFFI) programme, is designed to develop specialists capable of investigating the technical causes of building collapses and other engineering failures.

The programme was inaugurated in Abuja through a partnership involving the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI).

The initiative comes amid continuing concerns over building collapses across the country, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas.

A 2026 study published in the University of Abuja Journal of Engineering and Technology examined 111 validated building collapse cases recorded between 2015 and 2025.

The study reported 321 deaths and 344 injuries linked to the incidents. Structural defects, poor construction practices and inferior materials were identified among the leading identifiable triggers, although the researchers noted that the causes of some incidents could not be clearly established.

Forensic investigation identified as a critical gap

Speaking during the induction of the first group of CEFFI professionals, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIFCFIN, Iliyasu Gashinbaki, said the scale of losses associated with engineering failures demonstrated the need for more systematic investigations.

He said forensic engineering could help investigators establish what happened before and during an engineering failure, preserve relevant technical evidence and determine whether negligence, malpractice, fraud or deliberate violations of safety requirements contributed to an incident.

Gashinbaki urged regulators, contractors, project owners, professional organisations and law enforcement agencies to ensure that investigations do not end once a collapsed structure has been demolished, repaired or abandoned.

He said investigations should establish the facts surrounding each failure and use the findings to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

COREN calls for more trained investigators

The President of COREN, Sadiq Abubakar, said the programme would combine conventional engineering knowledge with forensic investigation techniques.

He described the training as an important step towards addressing gaps in the investigation of engineering failures in Nigeria, particularly within the construction and built environment sectors.

Abubakar called for the development of a larger pool of professionally trained investigators who could be deployed when buildings collapse or other engineering failures occur.

He said forensic engineering should not be restricted to building collapses, noting that the approach could also be applied to failures and incidents in sectors including mining, oil and gas, telecommunications, transportation, aviation and aerospace.

COREN has also indicated plans to develop a register of engineers trained in failure analysis and forensic investigation. Such specialists could support investigations into building collapses and other engineering incidents.

Building collapse remains a longstanding challenge

Nigeria’s building collapse problem predates the newly launched CEFFI programme.

Historical records and studies have documented building failures in the country over several decades, with researchers repeatedly identifying issues involving construction materials, design, workmanship, supervision, foundations, maintenance and compliance with approved building requirements.

One documented historical case involved the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction at Mokola in Ibadan in October 1974, where 27 people were reported killed.

Research examining previous building collapse incidents has also identified poor-quality materials and workmanship, excessive loading, design errors, maintenance problems and other factors among possible contributors.

The persistence of such incidents has led to repeated calls for stronger enforcement of building regulations, improved construction supervision and greater use of qualified professionals throughout the construction process.

NBRRI has conducted technical investigations

The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute has been involved in technical investigations of failed structures for years.

The institute’s mandate covers research into areas including building construction, engineering materials, foundations, earthworks and construction methods.

Its technical investigations have examined several building failures, with findings in individual cases pointing to factors such as poor concrete quality, inadequate construction practices and insufficient technical supervision.

NBRRI investigations have also examined site conditions, construction documents, laboratory results and interviews with relevant parties when determining the circumstances surrounding structural failures.

The institute has previously highlighted issues including substandard materials, poor workmanship, inadequate supervision, the absence of qualified professionals, deficient designs and unsuitable site conditions as areas requiring attention in construction.

Why failure investigations matter

A building collapse investigation involves more than determining that a structure has failed.

Investigators may need to establish the sequence of events and identify the underlying conditions that led to the failure.

This can involve examining structural drawings, construction records, materials used on site, soil conditions, workmanship, loads placed on the structure, alterations, maintenance history and regulatory approvals.

A comprehensive investigation can also help distinguish the immediate cause of a collapse from deeper failures in design, construction, supervision or regulation.

NBRRI’s previous work has highlighted some of the difficulties investigators can face, including gaining access to collapse sites and obtaining relevant information from contractors and other authorities.

The development of a stronger forensic engineering system could therefore provide a more structured process for preserving evidence, conducting technical assessments and producing reports that can assist regulators, professional bodies, courts and project owners.

Programme seeks to turn failure into prevention

The CEFFI initiative is intended to strengthen the capacity of professionals to investigate engineering failures and establish the circumstances surrounding them.

For building collapses, the objective extends beyond determining why a particular structure failed.

Investigators can potentially use findings from individual cases to identify recurring problems and provide information that can inform construction practices, regulatory enforcement, professional standards and safety measures.

This approach could also provide regulators and other stakeholders with technical evidence when determining whether negligence, malpractice or breaches of established requirements contributed to a failure.

Wider construction safety concerns

The renewed focus on engineering failure investigations comes as Nigeria continues to deal with safety challenges across its built environment.

Building collapses can result in fatalities, injuries, loss of property and disruption to communities, while also exposing weaknesses in construction processes and regulatory oversight.

The 2026 study that examined 111 validated building collapse cases between 2015 and 2025 recorded 321 deaths and 344 injuries, underlining the human consequences associated with structural failures.

The launch of the forensic engineering programme is therefore expected to complement existing efforts aimed at improving construction standards and reducing the occurrence and impact of engineering failures.

For the programme to have a lasting effect, its findings will need to feed into enforcement, professional practice, construction supervision and the wider regulation of Nigeria’s built environment.

The initiative represents a move towards strengthening the technical investigation of engineering failures, with the ultimate objective of using evidence from past incidents to improve safety and prevent avoidable losses in future construction projects.

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Building experts have attributed between 90 and 95 per cent of building collapses in Nigeria to unqualified practitioners operating outside professional standards.

The experts also identified quackery as a major contributor to the recurring collapse of buildings across the country.

A former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Godfrey Chukwurah, linked the problem partly to poverty.

He said economic hardship had pushed unqualified people into the building industry without the required professional training or licences.

Chukwurah said such individuals often become involved in design, structural work and construction without adequate technical competence.

He warned that cutting corners and avoiding professional accountability could compromise the safety and durability of buildings.

Poor Construction Practices

Chukwurah also identified substandard construction materials as another concern.

He said professional bodies had raised concerns about the quality of materials, including reinforcement products used in construction.

He further linked many collapses occurring during wet construction to failures involving formwork.

Formwork provides temporary support for wet concrete and other construction activities before permanent structural elements become self-supporting.

Foundation Problems

Civil engineer Okey Emelibe identified poor foundation design and construction as another major cause of building failure.

He explained that different structures require different foundation systems based on factors such as building size and design.

These include strip, pad and raft foundations, with each having specific technical requirements.

Emelibe also identified inferior materials, inadequate engineering supervision and the use of unqualified workers as contributing factors.

Experts Seek Stronger Regulation

The experts called for stronger regulatory enforcement across Nigeria’s construction industry.

Emelibe urged governments to ensure that qualified professionals oversee construction projects and that builders use appropriate materials.

He also recommended reducing approval charges while strengthening professional oversight during the approval and construction processes.

The concerns come amid renewed attention to building safety following recent building collapses in Nigeria.

The issue has also increased pressure on authorities to enforce existing building regulations and hold developers accountable for violations.

What Happens Next

Stronger enforcement will require regulators to identify unqualified practitioners, monitor construction sites and ensure compliance with approved building plans.

Experts also want greater accountability from developers and property owners who engage unlicensed workers.

Without effective enforcement, poor construction practices could continue to expose residents and workers to avoidable risks.

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The representative of the developer of a collapsed four-storey building in Enugu has been handed over to the police for questioning.

The building collapsed around 6am on Sunday in Independence Layout, Enugu State, killing one person and injuring others.

Emergency responders initially received information that people were trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams then began searching the collapsed structure.

The National Emergency Management Agency said responders recovered the body of a male victim from the debris by 11:20am.

Four other people were rescued and taken to a hospital, while emergency teams continued searching the wreckage for possible victims.

Building Had Been Sealed

The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority said the property had been approved in 2021.

However, officials later identified structural integrity concerns and deviations from the approved building plan.

ECTDA Chairman Uche Anya said the agency had sealed the property for about six months before the collapse.

Anya said he personally issued the first stop-work order after inspectors identified the alleged regulatory violations.

The owner’s representative, who reportedly lives abroad, had subsequently engaged the agency for between 30 and 40 days over the issues.

Anya stressed that the representative was handed to the police to assist the investigation and not necessarily for detention.

Rescue Operation Continues

Officials said six people were believed to sleep at the uncompleted property.

One person had reportedly left before the collapse, while responders initially rescued four people from the site.

The Enugu State Fire Service said two of those rescued sustained minor injuries and were taken to a health facility.

Another person was later recovered from the rubble, although officials initially awaited confirmation of the person’s condition.

The Enugu State Emergency Management Agency said the entire wreckage would be excavated to ensure no survivor or body remained trapped beneath the debris.

Investigation Underway

The incident has renewed attention on building approvals, structural compliance and enforcement in Enugu.

Current reports also confirm that authorities have begun investigating the collapse, while rescue and recovery operations continued at the site.

The police investigation is expected to establish whether regulatory violations contributed to the collapse and determine responsibility.

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The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has approved a nationwide audit of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to check compliance with the enhanced entry-point policy for engineers in the public service.

The council also plans to renew discussions with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on the implementation of the policy.

COREN reached the decisions during its 190th Ordinary Council Meeting in Abuja.

COREN Steps Up Regulatory Enforcement

COREN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Okorie Uche, announced the decisions on Thursday.

Uche said the council would strengthen compliance and enforcement across the engineering profession. The measures will focus on professional standards, technical skills, regulation and public safety.

He said COREN wants engineering professionals and firms to meet established regulatory requirements.

The council also approved the registration of 2,001 engineering practitioners.

The new registrants include 1,410 engineers, 227 engineering technologists and 15 engineering technicians. The list also contains 334 engineering craftsmen and 15 expatriate practitioners.

COREN also approved 33 engineering firms for registration across different areas of engineering practice.

Renewable Energy Certification Gets Attention

The council approved full accreditation for some firms under its Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) Certification Scheme.

COREN runs the scheme in partnership with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

The initiative aims to improve professional capacity and promote standards in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The council also reviewed certification examination results from seven training centres. A total of 478 candidates took the examinations, while 177 candidates passed.

COREN then directed Enerplaz Paygo Solutions in Port Harcourt to adopt the COREN/NESP-approved Solar Photovoltaic Installation Training Curriculum.

Stronger Response to Engineering Failures

The council also considered the problem of recurring engineering failures and building collapses.

COREN approved measures to strengthen its regulatory intervention and enforcement activities. The council said the measures would help it respond more effectively to breaches that could put lives and property at risk.

The new approach includes a competency development programme for Engineering Regulation Inspection Officers.

COREN also approved a wider regulatory strategy. The plan includes a nationwide public awareness campaign and an integrated digital compliance and verification platform.

Other measures include mandatory COREN compliance for engineering procurement and approvals. The council also plans to strengthen Engineering Compliance Inspectorate Units.

National Engineering Practice Database Planned

COREN plans to establish a National Engineering Practice Database.

The database will support the monitoring, verification and regulation of engineering activities across Nigeria.

The council also intends to work more closely with relevant government agencies. It will enforce stricter compliance with annual practising licence requirements.

The move could give regulators better information about engineering professionals and firms operating across the country.

COREN to Regulate Engineering Artisans

The council also approved the automation of registration for engineering artisans and Skills Training Centres through the COREN Portal.

It further approved measures to strengthen the recognition and regulation of engineering craftsmen.

COREN will collaborate with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to develop National Occupational Standards for several technical occupations.

These occupations include bicycle mechanics, GSM phone repairs, satellite installation, tractor operation and maintenance, motor body building and transmission repairs.

The move is aimed at improving technical skills and creating clearer standards for different engineering-related occupations.

New Framework for Engineering Education

COREN also approved the implementation of the National Engineering Admission Quota and Carrying Capacity Enforcement Framework.

The framework will support quality assurance in engineering education. It will also help ensure that engineering programmes at Nigerian universities remain within approved capacity and standards.

The council further approved revised Terms of Reference for its Codes and Standards Committee.

The committee will focus on developing, reviewing, promoting and monitoring engineering codes and standards.

COREN Approves Engineering Fee Scale

The council approved the adoption of the Engineering Sliding Scale of Fees in Nigeria (ESSOFIN).

COREN also plans to hold regional stakeholder engagement workshops before the end of 2026.

The workshops will allow practitioners, government institutions and other industry stakeholders to discuss the new measures. They are also expected to support consultation, consensus-building and wider acceptance of the initiatives.

The nationwide MDA audit and other regulatory measures come as COREN seeks to strengthen oversight of engineering practice in Nigeria. Effective enforcement of professional standards remains important to the safety and quality of buildings, infrastructure and other engineering projects across the country.

The post COREN Orders Nationwide Audit of MDAs Over Engineers’ Entry Policy appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has attributed the growing cases of real estate fraud, substandard construction, and building collapses across the country to the activities of unregulated and unregistered property developers. The association called for stricter regulation and enforcement to protect homebuyers, improve construction standards, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector.

Speaking during an interview, REDAN President Prince Akintoye Adeoye said many of the challenges confronting the real estate industry stem from the absence of effective regulation and the activities of individuals operating outside recognised professional and legal frameworks. He stressed that many fraudulent operators lack the technical expertise and ethical standards required to deliver safe and quality housing projects.

Adeoye noted that patronising unregistered developers exposes buyers to risks such as land fraud, project abandonment, structural defects, and building collapse. He urged prospective homeowners and investors to verify the credentials of developers before making payments or committing to property transactions.

According to him, REDAN has continued to advocate for stronger collaboration with government agencies and regulatory institutions to sanitise the real estate sector. He said improved oversight, stricter compliance with planning regulations, and the enforcement of professional standards would significantly reduce fraudulent practices and improve the quality of housing delivery.

The REDAN president also emphasised the need for all developers to comply with building codes, obtain statutory approvals, and engage qualified professionals, including architects, engineers, builders, and quantity surveyors, throughout the construction process. He maintained that adherence to established standards is essential to preventing avoidable structural failures.

Industry stakeholders believe that strengthening regulation, improving consumer awareness, and enforcing professional standards will help reduce building collapses, discourage fraudulent property transactions, and create a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable real estate market capable of attracting greater investment.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger regulation of Nigeria’s built environment to curb the rising incidence of building collapse and promote safer, more sustainable housing development. The association said effective regulation remains critical to protecting lives, improving urban planning, and strengthening investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ validation workshop on the National Housing Data Programme and the proposed National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy in Abuja, REDAN President Oba Akintoye Adeoye stressed that weak enforcement of building standards continues to contribute to structural failures, poor urban development, and other challenges affecting the housing sector.

Adeoye described regulation as the foundation of a safe and orderly built environment, noting that transparent and effective oversight would create a framework that protects lives and property while encouraging investment and sustainable urban growth. He maintained that stronger enforcement of existing standards is essential to improving the quality and safety of buildings across Nigeria.

The REDAN president also highlighted the importance of credible housing data, describing the National Housing Data Programme as a major step towards evidence-based policymaking and improved housing delivery. He noted that Nigeria’s housing sector has operated for years without comprehensive data, forcing policymakers and investors to rely on estimates rather than verified information.

According to Adeoye, reliable housing data will improve government planning, support investment decisions, enhance market transparency, and strengthen efforts to address the country’s housing deficit. He urged public institutions, developers, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to ensure the successful implementation of the new housing data and regulatory initiatives.

Stakeholders believe that combining stronger regulation with reliable housing data will improve building safety, reduce structural failures, encourage responsible real estate development, and create a more resilient housing market capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

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Insurance industry stakeholders have called for comprehensive policy reforms to make insurance a central component of Nigeria’s housing development strategy, warning that billions of naira invested in residential and commercial real estate remain vulnerable to disasters without adequate insurance protection. They argue that stronger insurance policies are essential for safeguarding property investments and improving confidence in the housing sector.

Experts noted that recurring incidents of building collapse, flooding, fire outbreaks, and other natural disaster continue to expose homeowners, developers, financial institutions, and investors to significant financial losses. They stressed that expanding insurance coverage would improve resilience and support sustainable growth in the real estate industry.

According to industry leaders, Nigeria’s housing sector requires policy incentives that encourage developers and property owners to obtain comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the construction and occupancy phases. They also advocated stricter enforcement of compulsory building insurance provisions already contained in existing laws to improve compliance nationwide.

Stakeholders further recommended stronger collaboration between government agencies, insurance companies, mortgage institutions, and real estate developers to create innovative insurance products tailored to affordable housing projects. They believe such partnerships would reduce investment risks, improve access to housing finance, and strengthen confidence among local and foreign investors.

The experts maintained that insurance should be viewed as an essential pillar of housing development rather than an optional financial product. They argued that integrating insurance into national housing policies would help minimise economic losses, accelerate post-disaster recovery, and enhance the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s property market.

They also urged policymakers to review existing regulations and introduce incentives that promote wider insurance adoption, noting that a stronger risk management framework would support housing delivery, infrastructure development, and overall economic growth.

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Urban planning experts have warned that increasing violations of planning permit regulations are undermining orderly physical development across Nigeria, contributing to building collapses, flooding, environmental degradation, and significant economic losses. They say the growing trend of commencing construction without obtaining statutory approvals is weakening the country’s urban planning framework and exposing communities to avoidable risks.

According to industry stakeholders, many developers and property owners continue to adopt a “build first, regularise later” approach, largely due to lengthy approval processes, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the high cost of obtaining planning permits. Experts argue that while these challenges exist, bypassing planning regulations compromises public safety and sustainable urban growth.

Professionals in the built environment noted that planning approvals are essential because they ensure developments comply with approved land use, structural standards, environmental requirements, and safety regulations before construction begins. They stressed that proper supervision by planning authorities throughout the construction process significantly reduces the risk of structural failures and other hazards.

Recent enforcement actions by several state governments, particularly in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory, have targeted illegal developments through building seals, demolitions, permit regularisation programmes, and digital approval systems. Authorities believe these measures will improve compliance while promoting safer and more organised urban development.

Experts have also recommended the adoption of fully digital planning permit systems, transparent approval charges, public awareness campaigns, and stronger enforcement to encourage voluntary compliance. They believe technology-driven approval processes can reduce delays, minimise corruption, and make regulatory compliance more accessible for developers and homeowners.

Stakeholders maintain that strengthening planning permit compliance is critical to protecting lives and property, improving infrastructure delivery, and supporting sustainable housing and real estate development across Nigeria’s rapidly growing cities.

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The Lagos State Government has identified weak regulatory compliance, disregard for safety standards, and unauthorized structural modifications as some of the major reasons behind the recurring cases of building collapse across the state. The disclosure comes amid renewed concerns over building safety following recent structural failures that claimed lives and caused extensive damage.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, many of the incidents could have been avoided if property owners, developers, and occupants had complied with established building regulations and acted promptly on official warnings regarding distressed structures.

The commissioner explained that several collapsed buildings had previously shown signs of structural weakness, including visible defects and deterioration that required immediate attention. In some instances, occupants allegedly ignored evacuation directives and continued using the affected buildings despite warnings from relevant authorities.

He further stressed that illegal alterations to existing structures, poor maintenance practices, and the use of substandard materials continue to increase the risk of structural failures. The government maintained that strict adherence to approved building plans and construction standards remains critical to safeguarding lives and property.

The commissioner noted that the state has intensified monitoring and enforcement activities through relevant agencies, including inspections of buildings considered distressed or structurally deficient. Authorities also reiterated their commitment to demolishing unsafe structures and sanctioning individuals who violate building regulations.

Experts have repeatedly warned that building collapses remain a significant urban challenge in Lagos due to poor enforcement of regulations, inadequate supervision of construction projects, and non-compliance with safety requirements. They argue that stronger oversight and greater accountability across the construction sector are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

The post Why Recurring Building Collapses Persist in Lagos, Says Commissioner appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Eight people have been confirmed dead, while 26 others were rescued following the collapse of a building in Lagos, as emergency agencies intensified search and recovery operations at the scene.

The incident occurred in the Ojodu-Berger area of the state, where rescue teams, security personnel, and emergency responders were immediately deployed after the structure gave way. The operation continued for several hours as responders searched through the debris for survivors and recovered victims.

Officials confirmed that 26 individuals were pulled alive from the rubble and taken to medical facilities for treatment. Authorities also reported that eight fatalities had been recorded during the rescue operation.

Emergency agencies said heavy equipment and specialized personnel were deployed to support the operation and ensure that no victims remained trapped beneath the collapsed structure. The site was secured to allow rescue workers to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.

The cause of the collapse had not been officially established at the time of reporting. However, investigations are expected to examine the structural condition of the building, compliance with approved construction standards, and possible regulatory violations.

Building collapses continue to pose significant concerns in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, with experts repeatedly advocating stricter enforcement of building regulations, improved project supervision, and greater adherence to safety standards.

State authorities extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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