Two people have died after a refuse dump collapsed on a building in Ikot Effanga, along Old Odukpani Road in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Friday.

Two Occupants Die

Police officers responded to the scene after receiving a report of the collapse. They found that a large refuse dump had fallen onto a building reportedly located within a valley.

The police identified one of the victims as Nfon Imé, a male. The second victim was a woman whose identity remains unknown.

Both victims were inside the building when the refuse collapsed. Rescue efforts later recovered their bodies from the scene.

Police took the bodies to a mortuary, according to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

Police Begin Investigation

The police command has started investigating the incident. Officers are also assessing the site to understand what caused the refuse dump to collapse.

The command has not yet established the full circumstances that led to the deaths. It said investigators would provide more information after they verify the facts.

READ ALSO : Two Rescued After One-Storey Building Collapses in Kubwa, Abuja

Police also appealed to residents to remain calm. The command warned against speculation while the investigation continues.

Housing Safety Concerns

The incident raises concerns about the safety of buildings located near large waste dumps and other high-risk areas.

The location of a building plays an important role in housing safety. Developers and property owners need to consider the condition of the land before construction begins.

Valleys and other low-lying areas can present special challenges. Developers may need to assess the land, drainage and surrounding environment before putting up buildings.

Poor waste disposal can also create problems in urban areas. Large waste piles can block drainage channels and place extra pressure on nearby land and structures.

Importance of Proper Urban Planning

The Calabar incident also shows why proper urban planning matters to housing development.

Safe housing depends on more than the construction of a strong building. Authorities and developers must also consider land use, drainage, waste disposal and the wider environment.

Building approval and enforcement can help prevent development in unsuitable locations. Regular monitoring can also help authorities identify risks before they threaten residents.

However, the police have not blamed any individual, developer or agency for the incident. The investigation is still underway, and the cause of the collapse has yet to be fully established.

Investigation Continues

The Cross River State Police Command said it would release further details as investigators confirm more information about the incident.

The deaths at Ikot Effanga highlight the need for greater attention to housing safety, waste management and land-use planning. As the investigation continues, its findings may help explain what caused the refuse dump to collapse and whether any preventable risks contributed to the tragedy.

The post Two Killed as Refuse Dump Collapses on Building in Calabar appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Two residents escaped serious danger on Friday after part of a one-storey residential building collapsed in Kubwa 2/2, near Yellow Page, Abuja.

The victims were inside the ground floor when the right section of the building suddenly gave way at about 11:30am. Rescue teams pulled both residents from the rubble alive and took them to Kubwa General Hospital for treatment.

The Head of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, confirmed the incident in a statement.

Rescue Operation

FEMD received a distress call about eight minutes after the collapse, at 11:38am. The agency then mobilised its response team to the affected property.

Rescuers reached the scene and worked to free the two trapped residents. Both victims survived the incident and remain in stable condition at the hospital.

No death has been reported in connection with the collapse.

The affected property contains six blocks of flats. However, most of the other occupants were away when the incident occurred. Their absence helped reduce the number of people exposed to the collapse.

Despite the successful rescue, the incident caused major damage to personal belongings and household items belonging to residents.

Authorities Begin Investigation

The Department of Development Control also responded to the scene alongside the FCT Police Command.

The agencies moved to secure the area and begin inquiries into what caused the structural failure. Authorities have not yet released a cause for the collapse.

The investigation will be important in determining whether issues linked to construction, structural integrity or compliance with approved building requirements played any role.

Building Safety and Housing in Abuja

The Kubwa incident again draws attention to the importance of building safety in Abuja’s growing residential communities.

Nigeria continues to face strong demand for housing. As developers respond to that demand, construction quality and regulatory compliance remain important parts of safe housing delivery.

Building approvals, proper structural design and effective site supervision can help reduce risks during construction and occupancy. Development control agencies also play an important role in ensuring that projects follow approved plans and relevant building requirements.

Building failures can have consequences beyond physical damage. Residents may lose household possessions, face temporary displacement and incur unexpected costs after a collapse.

For property owners and developers, the incident also highlights the need to treat structural safety as a core part of housing development. Affordable housing should not come at the expense of safety or compliance with construction standards.

Wider Housing Implications

The collapse in Kubwa highlights a wider challenge for Nigeria’s housing sector. The country needs more homes, but it also needs homes that can provide safe and secure living conditions.

Authorities, developers and other construction professionals all have roles to play in maintaining building standards. Stronger monitoring and timely intervention can help identify potential risks before they become emergencies.

For now, the two rescued residents remain under medical care at Kubwa General Hospital. Meanwhile, the relevant FCT authorities will continue to secure the site and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

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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.

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A fire broke out at SPAR Calabar Mall in Cross River State on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026. The incident reportedly followed an explosion at the shopping complex.

Thick smoke rose from the mall as emergency efforts began. The fire also caused panic among people around the area.

Explosion Reportedly Triggered Fire

Early reports linked the fire to what some people described as a minor gas or fuel explosion. However, authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident.

Videos and photographs from the scene showed flames affecting part of the mall. People also gathered outside the complex as emergency teams worked to control the fire.

The exact point where the fire started remains unclear. Authorities are expected to examine the site as part of efforts to establish what caused the reported explosion.

Extent of Damage Remains Unknown

The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear. It was also not known how many shops, facilities or goods the fire may have affected.

There were no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries as of the time of filing this report. Officials have yet to provide a full account of the incident.

The situation also raised concerns among businesses operating within the shopping complex. A major fire can disrupt commercial activity and cause losses for retailers, property owners and other businesses.

Fire Safety and Commercial Buildings

The incident highlights the importance of fire safety in large commercial properties. Shopping malls often receive large numbers of visitors each day. They therefore require reliable fire detection and emergency systems.

Building owners and facility managers must keep fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency exits and other safety systems in good working order. Regular inspections can also help identify risks before they become serious incidents.

Fire safety also matters during the design and construction of commercial buildings. Developers must consider safe evacuation routes and other measures that can protect people during emergencies.

Implications for Real Estate and Infrastructure

The fire also brings attention to the wider issue of safety in Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector. Modern retail centres form an important part of urban infrastructure. Their safety can affect businesses, workers, shoppers and surrounding communities.

Property managers also play an important role after construction. They must maintain safety equipment and ensure that staff understand emergency procedures.

For developers and investors, building safety remains an important part of responsible property management. Strong safety systems can help protect lives, property and business operations.

Investigation Expected

Authorities are expected to investigate the reported explosion and fire at SPAR Calabar Mall. The investigation should help establish the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.

Further details are expected as emergency agencies and relevant authorities assess the affected facility.

The incident serves as a reminder that fire prevention and emergency preparedness remain important parts of managing commercial buildings. Strong safety measures can help reduce risks and protect people and property when emergencies occur.

The post Massive fire breaks out at Calabar SPAR mall appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Property developer Messrs Alexander Limited has called for stronger compliance with building regulations and construction standards as Nigeria seeks to expand housing supply while addressing concerns over building safety.

The Lagos-based firm said effective supervision throughout the construction process was critical to preventing structural defects and protecting the value of residential properties for both homeowners and investors.

The company made the position known during an inspection tour of the 21-storey 16 Alexander residential development in Ikoyi, Lagos. Representing the Executive Chairman, Mr Napoleon Esemudje, a company representative said the developer was committed to using quality materials and meeting applicable construction requirements throughout the project.

The development is being constructed on a 4,276.216-square-metre site in Ikoyi, one of Lagos’ established residential districts. When completed, the project will comprise 54 luxury apartments, made up of 26 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom units across Wings A and B, alongside a duplex in each wing.

The project has brought together several specialist firms. Cappa and D’Alberto Plc is responsible for the principal construction and civil engineering works, while Baron Architecture is the lead architectural consultant. Trevi Foundations is undertaking piling and deep foundation works, with Lambert Electrics Limited responsible for mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations.

The development is planned to include an indoor swimming pool and lounge deck, gym, steam and relaxation facilities, indoor sports areas, a yoga and meditation space, residents’ social areas, concierge and security services, as well as city views.

It will also provide 150 parking spaces. Each apartment is expected to have two dedicated parking spaces, with additional spaces available for visitors.

Esemudje said the development was intended to provide lasting value for purchasers, describing it as a long-term asset designed with durability in mind. He said buyers should be confident that the apartments were being constructed to high standards and would retain value for future generations.

The project’s Marketing and Real Estate Consultant, Dr Meckson Okoro, said construction had reached the 17th floor, leaving four floors before the 21-storey structure is completed. Delivery is scheduled for December 31, 2027.

Okoro said maintaining close oversight during construction was important not only for structural safety but also for protecting the investment and future rental prospects of subscribers. He added that high-rise developments required consideration of the interests of the public and other stakeholders from the foundation stage through completion.

The Project Manager of Cappa and D’Alberto Plc, Mr Prabal Chakrabarti, said the project was being executed by qualified professionals and subjected to several levels of inspection.

According to Chakrabarti, work is internally certified before concrete is cast, after which the consultants, including Baron Architecture and structural engineering consultants, conduct their own inspections. The client’s consultants, CDH, then review and approve the work before casting proceeds.

He also said officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency inspected key structural elements, including reinforcement, columns and slabs, before approvals were granted for concrete casting.

The company said the project was being executed in line with safety requirements and international quality standards, particularly in response to concerns surrounding building failures in parts of Nigeria.

The emphasis on construction quality comes as Nigeria continues to face a significant housing shortage, making the delivery of safe and durable housing increasingly important. Beyond increasing the number of housing units, developers, regulators and construction professionals must ensure that new developments meet required structural and safety standards.

For high-density urban areas such as Lagos, where vertical development is increasingly important because of limited land availability and rising demand, effective building control, professional supervision and quality assurance remain central to protecting lives, property values and confidence in the housing market.

Developer stresses construction quality

Property developer Messrs Alexander Limited has called for strict compliance with building standards in Nigeria.

The company said strong construction controls can improve building safety and protect property values.

The developer made the call during a tour of the 21-storey 16 Alexander residential project in Ikoyi, Lagos.

A representative of the Executive Chairman, Mr Napoleon Esemudje, said the company would maintain strict quality controls throughout the project.

The representative also assured potential investors that the developer would use premium materials. The company will also follow all relevant building regulations.

21-storey project takes shape in Ikoyi

The Alexander Tower sits on a 4,276.216-square-metre site in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The project will contain 54 luxury apartments. These include 26 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom units across Wings A and B.

Each wing will also have a duplex.

The development will offer several facilities for residents. These include an indoor swimming pool, lounge deck and fully equipped gym.

Residents will also have access to steam and relaxation rooms. The project will include indoor sports facilities, a yoga and meditation area, and social spaces.

The development will also provide 24-hour concierge and security services.

In addition, the project will have 150 parking spaces. Each apartment will receive two dedicated parking spaces. Visitors will also have access to additional parking.

Construction reaches 17th floor

Dr Meckson Okoro, the project’s Marketing and Real Estate Consultant, said construction had reached the 17th floor.

Four more floors remain before the tower reaches its planned 21 floors.

Okoro said the developer expects to complete the project by December 31, 2027.

He also stressed the need for close monitoring as construction continues.

According to him, proper supervision will help protect the building’s structural quality and long-term investment value.

He said buyers should have confidence in the safety of their investment.

Okoro also said high-rise construction must consider more than the developer’s commercial interests.

He said developers and professionals must protect residents, investors and the wider public from the foundation stage to project completion.

Multiple firms oversee construction

Cappa and D’Alberto Plc is handling the main construction and civil engineering work.

Baron Architecture serves as the lead architectural consultant.

Trevi Foundations is responsible for piling and deep foundation works.

Lambert Electrics Limited handles the mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations.

Mr Prabal Chakrabarti, Project Manager at Cappa and D’Alberto Plc, said qualified professionals were working on the project.

He said the project team also carries out several inspections before each concrete casting exercise.

According to Chakrabarti, the construction team first checks and certifies the work internally.

The consultants then inspect the work. Baron Architecture and the structural engineering consultants take part in this process.

The client’s consultants, CDH, also review the work before the team proceeds with concrete casting.

Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency also inspect key structural elements.

These include reinforcement, columns and slabs.

Chakrabarti said the team only proceeds with concrete casting after receiving the required approvals.

Focus on safety and long-term value

The project team said it takes structural safety seriously, especially amid concerns about building collapses in Nigeria.

Chakrabarti said the company follows safety procedures and international quality standards during construction.

The developer also plans to appoint a professional facility management company after completion.

The planned approach highlights the importance of quality control beyond the construction phase. Proper maintenance can also help preserve the condition and value of a residential development.

Wider housing sector implications

Nigeria faces a major shortage of housing, increasing the need for new residential developments.

However, increasing housing supply also requires strong attention to safety and construction quality.

This is especially important in major cities such as Lagos, where high-rise developments can help developers make better use of limited urban land.

For investors and homeowners, building standards also have a direct link to property value. Strong construction practices can reduce safety risks and help protect the long-term performance of residential assets.

The Alexander Tower project therefore highlights a wider issue facing Nigeria’s housing sector: the country needs more homes, but it also needs homes that meet required safety and construction standards.

The post Developer Urges Strict Building Standards as Housing Demand Rises 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.

The post REDAN Blames Unregulated Developers for Rising Real Estate Fraud, Building Collapses appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A survivor of the three-storey building collapse at Alakija in Lagos has disclosed that visible cracks had appeared on the structure days before it caved in, raising fresh concerns over compliance with safety regulations and the handling of distressed buildings.

Speaking after narrowly escaping the tragedy, Mr. Kenneth Nwabueze said occupants had noticed signs of structural failure and informed the landlord, but no immediate action was taken before the building collapsed on Thursday.

Nwabueze, who lost his apprentice in the incident, described his survival as a miracle, saying he left the building only minutes before the structure came down.

According to him, cracks had developed on parts of the building about a week before the collapse, prompting tenants to alert the landlord about the danger.

“There were visible cracks on the walls and the landlord was informed, but nothing was done before the building collapsed,” he said.

He explained that occupants remained in the building because they believed repairs would soon commence after assurances from the landlord.

Nwabueze recounted that he had briefly stepped out to deliver a job when he received a distress call informing him that the building had collapsed and several people were trapped beneath the rubble.

“I rushed back immediately and directed rescuers to where my workers were trapped. Some people were rescued alive, but my apprentice did not survive,” he said.

The survivor lamented the loss of lives and property, noting that the tragedy could have been avoided if necessary preventive measures had been taken.

He urged residents to prioritise their safety whenever signs of structural defects appear in any building.

“Life comes first. Property and money can be replaced, but lives cannot. People should never ignore warning signs,” he said.

The collapse claimed nine lives and left several others injured, prompting the Lagos State Government to order investigations and announce plans to prosecute owners of distressed buildings who fail to comply with safety directives.

Authorities have since reiterated warnings to residents to immediately vacate buildings marked as structurally unsafe to prevent similar incidents.

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The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all buildings identified as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Alakija, Satellite Town, as part of efforts to prevent future disasters.

The government also vowed to prosecute the owners of the collapsed structure and any other individuals found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement actions.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Friday while inspecting the site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, the governor is deeply saddened by the incident and has extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Omotoso revealed that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives during the rescue operation.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, remained at the scene to complete recovery efforts.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident. He sends his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.

He disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been identified as structurally distressed and marked for demolition, with occupants directed to vacate the premises.

“This tragedy should not have happened. The building had been marked as distressed and occupants were asked to move out, but the directive was ignored. Livelihoods were unfortunately prioritised over lives,” he stated.

The commissioner announced that all other buildings already marked as unsafe within the vicinity would be demolished without delay to protect lives and property.

He further stated that the owners of the collapsed structure, as well as owners of other distressed buildings found culpable, would face prosecution under Lagos State laws.

“Anyone found to have violated building regulations or frustrated enforcement efforts will be prosecuted. Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be held accountable under the law,” he said.

Omotoso also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. It shows a disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it,” he added.

He noted that investigations into the cause of the collapse were ongoing while survivors continued to receive medical treatment at various hospitals.

The commissioner advised residents occupying buildings around the affected area to relocate immediately and comply with safety directives issued by the authorities.

He also commended emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication throughout the rescue mission.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised first responders and security agencies for their tireless efforts during the operation, which continued until the structure was completely brought down.

Also present during the inspection was the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, who lauded the coordinated response of emergency agencies in managing the disaster.

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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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Rescue operations are still underway following Monday’s building collapse at 54 Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, Oyingbo, Lagos, where 15 people were pulled out alive from the rubble.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the two-storey structure had shown visible signs of distress before it gave way around midnight. Those rescued  including seven men, four women, and four children were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and the General Hospital, Odan, for treatment.

Controller General of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that emergency teams from the Fire Service and LASEMA are still searching for possible survivors. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation by state officials.

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