More than 1,600 Nigerians have died in about 650 building collapse incidents recorded across the country in the last 52 years, the Federal Government has revealed.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, disclosed this on Tuesday, describing the recurring incidents as a serious national concern.
He said the government would intensify efforts to enforce construction standards, improve monitoring, and ensure compliance by developers and contractors.
“Building collapse is not just a structural failure; it is a human tragedy. Behind every collapsed building are lives lost and families affected,” Darma said.
He added that buildings must be properly designed, approved and constructed by qualified professionals, warning that cutting corners puts lives at risk.
He identified the use of substandard materials, poor workmanship, inadequate supervision and the activities of unqualified practitioners as some of the major causes of building failures in Nigeria.
He urged state governments, local authorities and regulatory agencies to strengthen their oversight functions and ensure that developers comply with building codes before, during and after construction.
The minister said the government was also working with professional bodies and regulatory agencies to address gaps in the construction sector and ensure that only qualified practitioners are allowed to handle building projects.
He noted that preventing building collapses required a collective effort, urging state governments, developers, contractors and property owners to prioritise safety and comply with approved construction guidelines.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would sustain efforts to strengthen safety standards in the housing sector and prevent further avoidable loss of lives and property from building failures.
