Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, has called for urgent reforms to address the significant policy gaps and skill shortages in the country’s facility management sector.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony of Akpatre Ndaw as the 2nd National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Builders in Facilities Management, Opaluwah stressed the need for better recognition and support for facility management, a field he believes is crucial to national development but still widely misunderstood.

Opaluwah highlighted that, while the world is rapidly changing with new technologies and evolving workplace needs, Nigeria’s facility management industry remains stagnant, hindered by a lack of skilled professionals and inadequate policy support. He explained that many organizations still view facility managers as mere maintenance staff, ignoring their potential as strategic leaders who can drive business success.

To address these challenges, Opaluwah called for the creation of a national framework to standardize the practice of facility management, which he described as lacking universally recognized qualifications and certification systems. He also urged stakeholders to support the ongoing legislative reforms in the National Assembly that seek to regulate the profession and establish a regulatory framework to set industry standards.

Looking ahead, Opaluwah envisions a future where facility management is fully digital, with equipment automatically communicating its status and service needs, triggering supply chain processes and allowing managers to focus on remote monitoring and programming. Despite the potential of technology and AI, he emphasized the importance of education and mentorship in empowering the next generation of facility managers.

In his closing remarks, Opaluwah appealed to all stakeholders whether facility managers, investors, or policymakers to collaborate in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and professional future for facility management in Nigeria

The post CORBON Calls for Policy Reforms to Strengthen Facility Management Sector appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The consequences are tragic. Buildings keep collapsing, lives are lost, businesses crumble, and families are left without homes. Developers cut corners, ignoring safety regulations. Many homeowners assume disaster won’t happen to them, while authorities fail to hold anyone accountable.

Under Nigeria’s 2003 Insurance Act (Cap 117), any building used for residential, commercial, educational, or medical purposes must have insurance coverage. This includes protection against collapse, fire, floods, earthquakes, vandalism, theft, and third-party damage. The goal is simple: when a building fails, victims should receive financial compensation, and property owners should have the means to rebuild.

But in reality, most people don’t comply. A survey by Housingtvafrica found that only two out of every ten property owners bother to insure their buildings. The reasons? Some believe “God will protect them,” while others either don’t know the law exists or simply don’t trust insurance companies. Many assume that even if they pay for coverage, they will never receive a payout when disaster strikes.

And yet, compliance is incredibly affordable. The compulsory insurance costs just ₦5,000 per plot and per floor. A two-story building on one plot costs around ₦15,000, while the same structure on two plots is ₦20,000. Developers constructing buildings over two floors are required to secure coverage or face a fine of ₦250,000—or even three years in prison.

Still, enforcement is weak.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

In the past 50 years, Nigeria has recorded at least 629 building collapses, resulting in over 1,578 deaths. Lagos accounts for more than half of these cases, with 326 recorded incidents. Other high-risk states include Anambra, Oyo, Kano, Delta, and the FCT. Meanwhile, states like Gombe, Bayelsa, Taraba, and Katsina have seen the fewest cases.

A recent tragedy underscores the crisis. At Oriwu Estate near Lekki-Epe Expressway, a three-story building under construction collapsed, killing four people and injuring several others. None of the victims had insurance coverage. The owner? Left to deal with the financial losses alone.

The pattern is all too familiar. Injured workers are abandoned. Families of the deceased receive no compensation. Neighbors suffer damage to their properties with no recourse for repairs. And the developers responsible? Many simply move on to the next project, escaping any real consequences.

The Real Cost of Non-Compliance

For property owners, the lack of insurance leads to financial ruin. If a building collapses, they are forced to shoulder reconstruction costs alone. When damages extend to nearby buildings, neighbors must pay for repairs out of pocket. If the owner faces lawsuits, legal fees can run into millions of naira. Without insurance, these losses can be impossible to recover from.

Despite these risks, compliance remains dismal—even in Lagos, where the law is integrated into the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Act. Property owners are required to submit proof of insurance to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), but enforcement has been weak.

Ogun State has also mandated compulsory insurance through its 2022 Building Production Management Authority Regulation. Developers must obtain an All-Risk Insurance Policy for any structure over two floors. This policy covers losses from construction failures, worker injuries, and third-party damage. Yet, like in Lagos, enforcement remains largely ineffective.

Why Nigerians Still Ignore the Law

Experts point to several factors fueling non-compliance:

• Weak Enforcement: State agencies lack the manpower or commitment to enforce the law effectively.

• Lack of Awareness: Many developers and property owners don’t even know insurance is mandatory.

• Mistrust in Insurance Companies: Many believe insurers will take their money but refuse to pay when disaster strikes.

• Cost-Cutting by Developers: Some developers deliberately avoid insurance to save money, even if it puts workers and tenants at risk.

Lola Olawore, an insurance expert at Staco Insurance Plc, believes the only solution is stronger enforcement. “Most Nigerians don’t take insurance seriously unless they are forced to. Look at Third-Party Vehicle Insurance—compliance only increased when the authorities cracked down on violators.”

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has acknowledged the issue. CEO Olusegun Omosehin recently revealed plans to increase Nigeria’s insurance penetration to 5% in the coming years. But for now, most Nigerians still view insurance as unnecessary.

Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), warns that unless the Contractor All-Risk (CAR) Insurance policy is strictly enforced, the cycle of disaster will continue. “This policy exists to protect buildings and workers on-site. But because enforcement is so weak, most contractors ignore it entirely.”

What Needs to Change?

The solution is simple: strict enforcement, public education, and severe penalties for violators.

The government must:

1. Mandate proof of insurance before construction permits are issued.

2. Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.

3. Apply heavy fines and penalties on developers who fail to comply.

4. Educate property owners on the importance of insurance coverage.

Until these measures are taken seriously, more buildings will collapse. More lives will be lost. More investments will be destroyed.

For now, the cycle continues. Developers ignore the law. Authorities fail to act. And when disaster strikes, it’s the victims who pay the ultimate price. Unless something changes, the next tragedy is only a matter of time.

The post Why Nigeria Keeps Losing Lives and Investments to Building Collapses appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In response to the growing crisis of building collapses in Nigeria, leading organizations and professionals across the construction industry have joined forces to implement robust measures for safety.

At a national conference held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, John Eno, emphasized the urgent need for heightened safety standards, stating that adherence to such standards is the “bedrock of sustainable development” in Nigeria’s building sector.

The conference, themed “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building/Construction Sector,” was organized by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and brought together key stakeholders, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), and other professionals from across the industry.

Highlighting the scale of the problem, Eno noted that Lagos State has recorded over 351 building collapses in the past 50 years, making up more than half of the nation’s 635 incidents. He stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety, stating, “The security of lives and property is a priority, and addressing the ongoing issue of building collapses is paramount.”

COREN President Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar underscored the necessity of enforcing codes and standards that are specifically tailored to Nigeria’s environmental and structural needs. “While foreign standards like Eurocodes are sometimes adopted, Nigeria must have its own codes to address local conditions and prevent future incidents,” Abubakar said.

Adding to the conversation, SON Director-General Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke pointed out the need for greater industry-wide awareness and education on safety standards. “Many builders, suppliers, and professionals are still unaware of crucial standards for safe construction,” he remarked, calling for comprehensive training initiatives to align the workforce with international safety practices. Okeke also highlighted the challenge of meeting Nigeria’s rapidly growing demand for affordable housing while ensuring quality and safety are not compromised.

With a shared resolve to enhance regulatory frameworks, improve public awareness, and adopt innovative building materials, SON, COREN, HDAN, CORBON, and other allied bodies reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the building collapse crisis. This unified approach marks a significant step toward creating safer, more resilient cities across Nigeria.

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Held amidst friends, colleagues, and dignitaries from various sectors, the occasion marked not just a milestone in his life but also his enduring legacy in facility management and public service in Nigeria.

Dr. Opaluwah, a titan in the fields of building, engineering, and facility management, used the event to unveil three books that encapsulate his extensive professional experience and contributions to national development. The celebration was also a platform for attendees to honor a man whose intellectual and professional influence has spanned decades and sectors.

The atmosphere was one of admiration as speakers took turns lauding his contributions. Described as a “colossus” and a “giant by all standards,” Dr. Opaluwah was praised not only for his academic achievements but also for his impact on Nigeria’s infrastructure and facility management sectors. One speaker notably remarked, “This is a man that presidents should headhunt to carry out reforms in countries that need to progress from one level to another.”

Dr. Opaluwah’s extensive professional journey began in 1989, when he was appointed as Estate Maintenance Manager of Benue Cement Company, now Dangote Cement. His career in facility management extended to managing complex infrastructure, utility services, and housing estates, a role that prepared him for greater responsibilities at the National Hospital in Abuja. In 1999, he became the pioneer Director of Maintenance at the hospital, a prestigious role that saw him overseeing Nigeria’s most sophisticated healthcare facility.

During his time in public service, Dr. Opaluwah held various senior positions, including in the Ministry of Health, where he managed facilities for over 100 federal hospitals across the country. His experience also includes a significant role in the 8th All-Africa Games in 2003, where he was the Deputy Director of Sports Facilities and Development. His expertise in facility management continued to influence major national projects, such as reforms initiated by former FCT Minister, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, aimed at improving the Federal Capital Territory’s maintenance culture.

The book launch showcased not only his vast experience but also his generosity in sharing knowledge. Dr. Opaluwah’s books, which explore facility management in various sectors including healthcare, sports, and public infrastructure, are already being hailed as must-reads for professionals in the field.

In his emotional speech, Dr. Opaluwah credited God, his family, and Nigeria for his achievements. He reflected on his journey from his humble beginnings in public schools to studying in prestigious institutions like Leeds University. “What you are seeing today is a product of the grace of God,” he said, emphasizing his gratitude for the opportunities Nigeria provided him in education and service.

Dr. Opaluwah’s wife, who has been his pillar of support for over 44 years, was also acknowledged during the event. In his heartfelt tribute, Dr. Opaluwah noted her sacrifices in managing their home while he traversed the globe for work. Their five children and extended family were present, making the occasion a true family affair.

The event drew high-profile guests, including representatives from the Nigerian Institute of Building, Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, among others. Attendees underscored Dr. Opaluwah’s exceptional leadership and the lasting impact he has had on Nigeria’s built environment and facility management.

Dr. Opaluwah remains committed to improving society. “As long as I live,” he vowed, “I will continue to do my best to improve the lot of humanity and this country.” His legacy, immortalized in his books, will undoubtedly serve as a guide for future generations of professionals.

The title of the books launched are Health facilities management in Africa, Sports facilities Management in Africa, The Principles and Practice of facility management in Nigeria.

The launch of his books, alongside the celebration of his 70th birthday, marked a fitting tribute to a man whose influence has touched many sectors in Nigeria and beyond.

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