Preventing the next building collapse

BY JOYCE LEWIS

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, a tragic building collapse occurred on Oriwu Street, Lekki Phase 1, claiming four lives and leaving 15 others injured. This devastating incident is yet another painful reminder of the persistent challenges within Nigeria’s construction industry. Despite rapid urban development, particularly in Lagos State, structural failures continue to occur, many of which could have been prevented. The impact of these collapses extends beyond statistics; it erodes public confidence in the construction industry, discouraging investment and raising concerns about safety in urban housing and infrastructure.

Moreover,  such incidents leave families grieving, survivors face long-term trauma, and communities suffer displacement. Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, boasts a booming real estate sector. Yet, this rapid expansion could come at a high human and economic cost without strict adherence to safety standards.

As a Nigerian-American trained civil engineer and a practicing construction management professional, I have observed that most building collapses stem from avoidable issues, including non-compliance with engineering standards, the use of substandard materials, engaging unqualified builders, and poor concrete curing.

Many projects skip essential steps such as soil testing, structural analysis, and proper supervision by qualified engineers. In efforts to cut costs, developers sometimes use low-quality cement, weak steel reinforcements, and poor construction techniques, compromising structural integrity. Many projects are handled by non-certified individuals, significantly increasing safety risks. Additionally, slabs are often not allowed to cure properly, preventing the concrete from reaching its full strength and durability and leading to weaker structures.

The frequency of building collapses in Nigeria is alarming. Over 271 building collapses were recorded in Nigeria between 2012 and 2022, with Lagos accounting for 50% of these cases (Building Collapse Prevention Guild, 2023). The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) reports that 80% of collapses were linked to unqualified builders and poor project oversight. A 2024 Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) report found that 40% of ongoing construction projects lacked proper approvals or had structural concerns. These statistics underscore the urgent need for stronger regulatory enforcement to prevent further loss of life and property.

To ensure construction safety and accountability, professional bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) must play a central role. These organizations house certified professionals with the expertise to ensure that projects meet engineering and safety standards. Government agencies, real estate developers, and building owners should actively consult these bodies for project approvals, inspections, and compliance regulations.

Stronger collaboration between the government and engineering institutions can help enforce stricter certification and licensing requirements for contractors, mandate oversight by certified engineers throughout project execution, and conduct regular inspections of buildings under construction. By recognizing and utilizing the expertise of certified engineers, the risks associated with poor construction practices can be significantly reduced.

Some may argue that hiring certified architects, geotechnical engineers, construction engineers, and structural experts increases costs. However, the reality is that cutting corners today leads to greater expenses in the future, whether through structural failures, costly repairs, or tragic loss of life. Investing in quality construction and professional oversight is not an unnecessary expense, it is a necessary safeguard. Communities, residents, and construction professionals must take proactive steps to prevent further tragedies.

Solutions include the strict enforcement of building regulations, engagement of qualified professionals, government-engineering body partnerships, public awareness and education, and regular inspections and accountability. Authorities must ensure that all construction projects comply with safety standards, developers should only work with licensed engineers, architects, and builders, and professional bodies like NSE, NICE, NIOB, and COREN should be actively consulted for construction approvals and compliance checks. Property owners and investors should be educated on the importance of structural integrity, while routine checks should be conducted to identify risks before they lead to disaster.

Building collapses should not become a recurring tragedy in our cities. By strengthening regulations, enforcing compliance, and prioritizing safety, families can be protected, and trust in the construction industry can be restored. The time to act is now. Nigeria deserves a future where buildings are symbols of security, not sources of fear.

Joyce Lewis is a Nigerian US-based civil engineer and a construction management professional at Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. USA.