Tackling the Collapse Epidemic: Builders Group Calls for Stricter Adherence to Building Codes

In a desperate bid to stem the tide of tragic building collapses that have plagued Nigeria, a key professional body in the construction sector is sounding the alarm, urging all stakeholders to prioritize safety by strictly adhering to established building codes. The Nigerian Institution of Builders in Facilities Management (NIBIFM) has pointed to a culture of negligence, corruption, and the use of substandard materials as the primary culprits behind the recurring disasters.

Speaking at a conference in Abakaliki, the National Chairman of NIBIFM, Akpatre Ndaw, called for a collaborative approach among all professionals in the built environment. He stated that the frequent loss of lives and property is a direct result of ignoring professional advice and cutting corners. “To end building collapse, we must avoid the use of unqualified contractors and substandard materials,” he declared.

The concerns raised by NIBIFM are echoed by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), which recently released a report documenting a disturbing trend. According to BCPG, Nigeria recorded at least 145 building collapses and 40 deaths between 2022 and 2024, with at least 10 collapses in the first half of 2025 alone. The most recent incidents, including one in Ikorodu where substandard materials were allegedly used and another in Kubwa, Abuja, have brought the issue back to the forefront of national discourse.

Experts identify a number of factors contributing to the crisis:

• Use of Substandard Materials: The market is flooded with low-quality building materials, with some reports citing the use of rods and blocks that do not meet the required standards.
• Lack of Professionalism: Many building projects are undertaken without the supervision of qualified professionals like builders, engineers, and architects, leading to poor workmanship and faulty designs.
• Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Despite the existence of a National Building Code (NBC), enforcement at the state and local government levels is often weak or nonexistent, allowing developers to flout regulations with impunity.

In response to the crisis, the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has been actively engaging with state governors to enact and enforce relevant laws. Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been vocal about the need for a unified and enforceable national building code. His administration has also taken proactive steps, including the reintroduction of mandatory site inspections and the launch of a “Certified Accreditors Programme” to ensure regulatory compliance from the foundation to the completion of a building.

The call from professional bodies serves as a stark reminder that while the government has a crucial role to play in enforcement, the responsibility for safety lies with every single stakeholder from the architects who design the buildings to the artisans who lay the bricks. For Nigeria to turn the tide on this epidemic, a collective shift from negligence to a culture of safety and accountability is not just an option it is an absolute necessity.