The building collapse in the Federal Capital Territory that occurred last week Thursday has continued to elicit reactions from a cross section of Nigerians. While some have lamented the incident as one unfortunate event too many, others have tasked professionals and regulatory authorities in the built environment on the need to adhere to standards, as well as ensure strict regulation of building projects at all times.
Shedding light on critical aspects of an ideal building structure, Architect Agathachristie Irabor, Chair of Practice, Nigerian Institute of Architects, FCT Chapter, told Housing Development: “Construction anywhere in the world is regulated. When you are talking of regulation, it encompasses all the professionals who are involved in the building industry.” She stated that for a building to go from formulation to construction, all requisite professional competencies must be engaged.
When asked if building materials are locally sourced one hundred percent, Irabor answered in the affirmative and stated further: “The problem we have now is that most of the materials on ground don’t meet basic standards.” She challenged relevant agencies saddled with the task of standards and standardisation to be awake to their responsibility, urging stringent monitoring of materials and processes. She said absence of professionals on building sites creates an avenue for people to circumvent regulatory requirements.
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Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, FCT Chapter, Bede Ejiekwu, stated that even though there is nothing being said about building collapse that the authorities had not previously heard, it is common knowledge that building materials market is flooded with substandard products. He also emphaseised the importance of using the services of professionals by developers when building structures. In his words, “Most of these materials are manufactured here [in Nigeria]. Of course, you may have some elements of the components that are imported, but I can tell you most of these materials are manufactured here.” He noted that all that government requires to bring errant developers and regulators to book is will power: “If you look at JCT form of contract, for any construction to take place, that project must be insured. There is a provision of insurance in JCT form of contract, but who is doing it?” He, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to ensure use of qualified professionals for their building projects at all times.
