The Ebonyi State Government has intensified its enforcement campaign against unsafe and substandard buildings as part of efforts to prevent structural collapses, improve public safety, and strengthen compliance with building regulations across the state.

The renewed crackdown follows growing concerns over the increasing number of building collapse incidents recorded in different parts of Nigeria. State officials said the initiative is designed to identify defective structures, enforce compliance with approved building standards, and ensure that construction projects adhere to established planning and engineering requirements.

According to the government, relevant regulatory agencies have been directed to conduct comprehensive inspections of buildings under construction and existing structures suspected to pose safety risks. Property owners and developers found to have violated building regulations may face sanctions, including stop-work orders, demolition of unsafe structures, or other penalties provided under the law.

Officials emphasised that developers must obtain all necessary planning approvals before commencing construction and engage qualified professionals, including architects, engineers, builders, and quantity surveyors, throughout the building process. They noted that strict adherence to approved designs and construction standards remains essential to safeguarding lives and property.

The government also urged residents to report buildings showing visible signs of structural distress or projects suspected to be violating planning regulations. Authorities said community participation would complement ongoing inspection efforts and help reduce the risk of avoidable building failures.

Construction professionals have consistently identified poor workmanship, the use of substandard building materials, inadequate supervision, and non-compliance with approved building codes as some of the leading causes of structural collapse in Nigeria. They argue that stronger regulatory enforcement and routine inspections are necessary to improve safety within the construction industry.

Urban development experts welcomed Ebonyi’s initiative, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement can significantly reduce the incidence of building collapse while promoting sustainable urban development. They added that continued investment in regulatory capacity and public awareness will be critical to improving construction quality and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector.

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The Acting Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, has ordered the arrest of contractors responsible for the construction of the Amaeze/Izzo Housing Estate, citing poor workmanship and the use of substandard materials.

During an unscheduled inspection of the site, Obila expressed outrage over the state of the buildings, many of which have begun to show structural defects despite not yet being occupied. She criticized the contractors for what she described as a gross betrayal of public trust and a clear sabotage of government development efforts.

Obila, visibly disturbed by the conditions she encountered, said the project was scheduled to have been completed and commissioned this month. Instead, the site remains unfinished, and some of the buildings are already deteriorating. She warned that the state government would no longer tolerate contractors who compromise safety and quality for profit. According to her, anyone found culpable would not only be arrested but also held accountable for endangering the lives of future residents.

Her visit to the Amaeze/Izzo Housing Estate was part of a broader inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across Ishielu, Ohaukwu, and Abakaliki local government areas. These included road construction, classroom blocks, and industrial developments in several communities. While some projects received commendation for their progress and quality, others were flagged for delays and substandard execution.

Obila called on contractors with pending deliverables to accelerate their work, stressing the administration’s commitment to delivering results under Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs, which prioritizes infrastructure, education, and economic development.

She also expressed gratitude to community stakeholders for their continued support of the current administration, assuring them that despite challenges, the government remained focused on completing key projects across the state.

Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Nwankwagu, added his voice to the matter, urging the state government to go beyond contract termination. He called for the prosecution of contractors found to have compromised quality, arguing that only firm legal consequences would deter future misconduct in the execution of public projects.

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The Ebonyi State Government has announced that starting from 2026, house and land agents will no longer be allowed to operate within the state.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru disclosed this decision, stating that the activities of agents are largely responsible for the continuous rise in house and shop rents across the state.

He explained that some agents exploit residents by charging as much as ₦500,000 simply to show properties they do not own, thereby worsening the accommodation crisis for citizens.

“The exploitation must stop. From next year, no agent is permitted to collect any money from anyone seeking accommodation in Ebonyi State,” the Governor declared.

The government noted that the ban is aimed at curbing fraudulent practices in the property market, stabilizing rental prices, and ensuring that residents can access affordable housing without unnecessary middlemen charges.

This policy marks a major shift in the state’s real estate sector and is expected to bring relief to tenants and business owners battling with rising rental costs.

Source: Nation’s Curiosity

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Over the past year, the foundation has facilitated the enrollment of 4,078 pregnant women and 600 children under the age of five into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme. The initiative aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by expanding access to essential medical care for underserved communities.

“No woman should die while giving life,” Mrs. Nwifuru affirmed through her foundation’s coordinator, Professor Nkechinyere Emma-Echiegu, who shared highlights of BERWO’s activities with reporters.

Support for Widows, Sickle Cell Patients, and Hernia Surgeries
Beyond maternal health, BERWO has constructed housing for widows across the state and enrolled over 300 individuals living with sickle cell disorder into the state’s insurance program. In addition, the foundation has facilitated surgical treatment for more than 300 men and boys suffering from scrotal hernia.

“These are not widely publicized efforts, but they’re making a difference,” Prof. Emma-Echiegu noted. “We want to ensure the children born to these women also survive. That’s why we extended the health insurance to infants.”

Empowerment Through Education and Skills Training
In the area of education, seven students from Ebonyi are now studying in Abuja on full scholarships provided by the foundation. Meanwhile, over 60 youths have received vocational training, complete with startup tools such as laptops and specialized kits to help them begin their careers.

“Skill development is one part. Equally important is equipping beneficiaries to take action immediately. That’s why we ensured they left with tools to support themselves,” the BERWO lead added.

Participants in the digital skills training program, for instance, received HP computers valued at over ₦400,000 each following their completion of computer literacy sessions.

Postnatal Outreach and Family Values Advocacy
Through its Baby Shower Initiative, the foundation plans to distribute 17,000 care packages to new and expectant mothers in rural areas. These postnatal items are intended to support early child care and promote safer motherhood practices.

Prof. Emma-Echiegu also used the occasion to urge parents to raise more self-reliant children and discourage the culture of overprotection. “We’ve spoiled this generation with too much comfort. There’s no shortcut to success—children must learn resilience,” she emphasized.

She further encouraged couples to treat each other with mutual respect and continue building stronger families as the foundation of society.

“We are trying our best, but there’s a lot of work ahead. This generation needs intentional guidance, and we all have a role to play.”

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The Ebonyi State Government has approved a budget exceeding N5 billion for the construction of 126 housing units for state workers.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, announced the development during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abakaliki, following the state executive council meeting.

“The council approved N40 million as the unit cost for each of the 126 housing units. The total cost of the project is estimated at N5,000,000,040,” Okpor stated, adding that the project would be executed through direct labour.

This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to improve the welfare of its workforce by providing affordable housing solutions.

Revenue Generation Boost

In a related development, the council approved the engagement of three revenue firms to enhance the state’s revenue generation.

“Pursuant to the need to increase the revenue base of the state, the council reviewed proposals and approved the engagement of three revenue and financial consulting firms,” Okpor added.

The decision aligns with the state’s strategy to diversify income sources and strengthen financial sustainability.

The commissioner emphasized the government’s commitment to improving both infrastructure and economic growth through strategic initiatives.

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