The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to working alongside the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to address the increasing occurrences of building collapses in Nigeria.
Vice President Alhaji Kashim Shetima expressed this commitment through Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during the 32nd Engineering Assembly held by COREN in Abuja.
Shetima highlighted the necessity of overseeing the construction industry, asserting, “We must prevent the frequent occurrences of building collapses in Nigeria.” He called on COREN to collaborate with all pertinent parties to create a detailed framework and checklist to tackle this urgent problem.
The Vice President urged Nigerian engineers to thoughtfully consider the issues confronting their profession and to actively work towards its advancement for the betterment of the nation.
In his speech, COREN President Prof. Sadiq Abubakar emphasized the council’s commitment to maintaining international standards in engineering. He highlighted that COREN has redistributed its operations to enhance local involvement and foster integrity in the profession.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Megat Johari, who serves on the Board of Engineers Malaysia, emphasized the significance of resilience and adherence to ethical standards in engineering. He remarked, “Cultivating a proficient engineering workforce within a proper regulatory framework is essential for the advancement of the energy sector and infrastructure, leading to technological development and prosperity.”
The issue of building collapses in Nigeria has raised serious alarms for investors and the government alike. Evidence suggests that numerous such occurrences result from the use of inferior materials, insufficient technical skill, failure to comply with building regulations, the participation of unqualified individuals, and prevalent corruption in the construction sector.
As reported by COREN, Nigeria experienced 22 incidents of building collapses from January to July 2024. Lagos State represented 27.27% of these incidents, while Abuja and Anambra both had 18.18%. Ekiti and Plateau states contributed 9.09% each, and Kano, Taraba, and Niger states each accounted for 4.55%.
