The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has identified multiple factors responsible for the persistent cases of building collapse in Nigeria, citing design issues, poor implementation, and unprofessional practices across construction projects.
The President of the institute, Aminu Bashir, disclosed this in Lagos during a seminar and the investiture of Ololade Sokoya as the ninth Chairperson of the Women’s Association of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria.
Bashir said building collapse cannot be attributed to a single cause, noting that failures can occur at different stages of a project lifecycle.
According to him, while some buildings may have sound structural designs, compromise often occurs during construction when contractors cut corners.
“The reality is that building collapse has multiple dimensions. It could come from design, implementation, or even the professionals handling the project. Sometimes the design is very good, but those executing the project cut corners,” he said.
He added that the use of unqualified personnel in design and construction also contributes significantly to structural failures, stressing that projects handled without certified professionals are at higher risk.
Bashir further noted that some developers commence construction without proper designs, while others rely on poor professional advice, worsening the problem.
He also pointed to lapses in regulatory oversight, explaining that authorities responsible for monitoring construction stages sometimes fail to carry out adequate inspections before approving project progression.
“It could also be a failure of those charged with regulation to properly supervise before allowing contractors to move from one stage to another,” he said.
The NIQS president called for collective responsibility among stakeholders, including designers, contractors, regulators, and clients, to address the issue.
He emphasised that adherence to standards at every stage, design, procurement, implementation, and supervision is critical to preventing building collapse.
Bashir also disclosed that the institute plans to engage with Bola Tinubu, noting that NIQS’ cost management expertise aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on infrastructure development.
He said involving professional cost and construction managers would help ensure efficient delivery of infrastructure projects across the country.
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