Building Collapse: Experts Blame Quackery, Poor Regulation, Substandard Materials

As building collapses continue to claim lives and destroy property across Nigeria, experts have identified quackery, weak regulatory enforcement, poor construction practices and the use of substandard materials as major factors driving the crisis. ANOZIE EGOLE reports.

Building collapse has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent construction and public safety challenges, with Lagos State recording the highest number of incidents in recent years.

Recent data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild showed that 47 building collapse incidents were recorded across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos accounting for 13 of the incidents. Abuja recorded six, Anambra five, while Kano and Rivers recorded four each.

The BCPG also reported that the number of recorded building collapses in Nigeria rose to 640 between October 1974 and January 9, 2025.

The figures highlight the scale of a problem that has continued despite repeated government assurances and regulatory interventions.

Billions lost to building collapse

A 2022 report by Jide & Co Onasali identified building collapse as a major obstacle to sustainable development in Nigeria, estimating that the country had lost properties valued at $3.2tn to building collapses over two decades.

The first recorded building collapse in the BCPG’s data occurred in October 1971 in Oyo State. The multi-storey building reportedly collapsed because of excessive loading, killing 27 people.

Since then, the country has witnessed hundreds of similar incidents, with Lagos emerging as the most affected location.

Recent collapses raise fresh concerns

The frequency of recent incidents has renewed concerns about the safety of residential and commercial buildings across the country.

In March, The PUNCH reported the collapse of what had previously been a four-storey building bustling with pupils, teachers, workers and tenants at Adu Street, behind County Hospital in the Adidas area of Ogba, Lagos.

The building reportedly collapsed around 11am, destroying property worth millions of naira. A worker at the site recalled that the incident happened suddenly but occupants were able to escape before the structure came down.

Another major incident occurred in Anambra State in July when a three-storey student hostel known as Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area.

The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, reportedly had about 60 rooms. Students and other occupants were inside when the structure collapsed, leaving some people trapped beneath the rubble.

Emergency responders, including the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and security agencies, were mobilised to the scene.

The National Emergency Management Agency later disclosed that search-and-rescue operations had been suspended after at least 50 per cent of the debris was cleared, with operations scheduled to resume the following day.

Ogun collapse claims three lives

Days later, another building collapse occurred in Ajuwon, Ogun State, where a mixed-use structure collapsed during a downpour.

The incident, which occurred around OGS Bus Stop on Baale Road, a border community between Ogun and Lagos states, reportedly killed three people, including an adult woman, a baby and a 75-year-old man, while 12 others were rescued.

The building housed two shops on the ground floor and residential apartments above.

The Ogun State Government subsequently ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Experts blame quackery, poor enforcement

Experts in the built environment have consistently linked building collapses to failures at different stages of the construction process.

The Honorary Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lagos State Branch, Tokunbo Akinhanmi, identified poor regulatory enforcement, engagement of unqualified practitioners and the use of substandard materials among the leading causes.

He also cited structural defects, inadequate soil investigations and failure by some developers to comply with approved building specifications.

Akinhanmi called for stronger monitoring and enforcement of building regulations, while urging developers and property owners to engage only registered and qualified professionals throughout the project lifecycle.

He also advocated periodic structural integrity assessments of existing buildings, particularly ageing structures, as well as sustained public education on the dangers of cutting corners during construction.

According to him, adherence to professional standards, regulatory compliance and proper maintenance could significantly reduce building collapse incidents and protect lives and investments.

‘Any building above bungalow needs professionals’

The Pioneer National President of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Kunle Awobodu, said another major problem was the tendency of some property owners to underestimate the complexity of construction projects.

Awobodu, who is also a member of the Ministerial Task Team on Building Collapse, stressed that professional input was necessary for buildings above bungalow level.

He argued that building construction was a long-term investment that should not be put at risk by poor decisions during or after construction.

He called for greater enlightenment of prospective property owners and stricter compliance with existing building regulations.

Awobodu also urged authorities to make building approval processes simpler and more digitalised, noting that excessive delays could affect project costs and delivery timelines.

He further called on building control agencies to intensify monitoring and eliminate quackery from construction sites.

Wrong foundations, poor supervision

A civil engineer and Managing Director of Omelis Empire Limited, Okey Emelibe, identified foundation-related problems as another major contributor to building failures.

According to him, some developers use the wrong type of foundation for particular soil conditions or building designs.

He explained that the foundation requirements for a bungalow differ from those of a two-storey or three-storey building, stressing the importance of proper structural assessment before construction begins.

Emelibe also blamed inferior or inappropriate materials, poor supervision by engineers and the employment of unqualified workers.

He urged the government to strengthen regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing construction standards and ensure that qualified professionals are involved in building projects.

He also called for a reduction in approval charges while maintaining strict professional standards.

Residents increasingly afraid to rent

Beyond the loss of lives and property, recurring building collapses are also affecting public confidence in the housing market.

A Lagos resident, Harrison Chinaka, said the frequency of building failures had made renting an apartment a source of anxiety for many families.

He said prospective tenants were increasingly concerned about whether buildings were structurally safe before committing to them.

Chinaka said he now pays closer attention to the age and condition of buildings, cracks on walls and foundations, drainage and flooding risks, as well as other signs that could indicate poor construction.

He urged the government to enforce building regulations without compromise and carry out regular structural inspections.

He also called for strict sanctions against developers who violate construction standards, while advocating the publication of records of buildings certified as safe.

The way forward

With building collapses continuing to occur across several states, experts agree that the problem requires more than investigations after tragedies occur.

They have called for stronger building control systems, greater professional oversight, improved enforcement of regulations and tougher action against quacks and developers who compromise safety standards.

For property owners, experts say cutting corners during construction can ultimately come at a far greater cost than the money saved.

For government, the challenge is to ensure that building regulations are not merely written on paper but consistently enforced.

And for prospective homeowners and tenants, greater awareness of structural safety may be critical in preventing another tragedy.

As Nigeria’s cities continue to expand and demand for housing rises, experts warn that the safety of buildings must remain a priority, not an afterthought.