Introduction

In recent weeks, building collapses have been increasing at a very alarming rate, and Nigeria has witnessed tremendous loss of lives and property. These cases have exposed critical problems with the housing sector in the country. The rate and the volume of collapses both call for drastic government intervention. The housing sector in Nigeria is undergoing rapid urbanization and increases in the demand for affordable houses. However, the growth of the sector has been punctuated by a series of structural failures. Just last week, several buildings in different parts of the country collapsed resulting in many deaths and injuries. According to the Punch Newspaper report, the country has experienced 135 incidents of building collapse and killed no fewer than 26 people between 2022 and 2024, with the latest incident occurring in a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory known as Kubwa, Abuja. These are disturbing statistics that call for an urgent review of the practices and policies governing the housing sector. Given this, can we say that this is a result of inadequate government regulations of the housing sector, or that the authorities in charge of the housing sector are not taking proper precautions during construction? This article seeks to answer these questions and propose workable steps that the government and stakeholders can take to mitigate building collapses.

Causes of building collapses in Nigeria

From my study, I found that the following are the causes of building collapses in Nigeria:

One of the primary causes is the prevalence of substandard construction practices. Many buildings are constructed without adhering to established engineering standards, leading to weak structures prone to failure. Another cause is the weak and poorly enforced regulatory framework for the housing sector. Building codes are frequently ignored, and there is a lack of rigorous inspection and monitoring during construction phases.

Additionally, builders often use inferior materials to cut costs, compromising the structural integrity of buildings. The absence of quality control mechanisms exacerbates this issue, resulting in unsafe constructions. Lastly, corruption within regulatory bodies and negligence by contractors contribute significantly to the problem. Bribery and kickbacks allow for the bypassing of essential safety regulations, leading to the construction of unsafe buildings.

One thing that the government should also take note of is that when the collapse occurs it has a huge impact on the society. One of the consequences of building collapses in Nigeria are far-reaching. The human cost is the most immediate and devastating, with many lives lost and others left with serious injuries. Families are torn apart, and communities are left grieving. From the economic point of view its impact is also severe. Building collapses result in the loss of property and investments, leading to financial instability for affected families and businesses. The reconstruction costs further strain the already limited resources of local and state governments. Also these incidents erode public trust in the safety of buildings and the competence of regulatory bodies. They also highlight broader issues of inequality, as substandard housing is often concentrated in poorer areas, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

How can the Government reduce these impacts?

To address the crisis in the housing sector, the Nigerian government must take decisive action. Stricter regulations and enforcement are essential. Building codes need to be updated and rigorously enforced to ensure all constructions meet safety standards. Regular inspections should be mandatory, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Investing in infrastructure is equally important. The government should allocate resources to support the development of quality housing and the renovation of existing structures. Public-private partnerships can be leveraged to attract investment and expertise in the housing sector. According to a statement by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Shelter Afrique, Andrew Chimphondah, “to solve the affordable housing problem, we believe it should be addressed as a volume business – to make commercial sense for developers.” This approach not only ensures affordability but also encourages sustainable development practices. It is also imperative for the government to implement stricter regulations, enhance oversight, and invest in quality infrastructure. Stakeholders, including builders, regulators, and citizens, must collaborate to ensure the safety and integrity of buildings.

Conclusion 

Addressing the crisis in Nigeria’s housing sector requires a multifaceted approach involving regulatory reforms, investment in infrastructure, and collective responsibility. By taking these steps, the government can prevent further tragedies and ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe and secure housing.