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Nigeria’s housing sector has suffered a devastating human cost, with more than 1,600 people killed in about 650 building collapse incidents recorded across the country over the past 52 years, the Federal Government has revealed.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, who disclosed the figures, said the recurring incidents had become a serious national concern, requiring urgent measures to strengthen compliance with construction standards, improve monitoring and enforce safety regulations.
He said the continued loss of lives and property to building failures was unacceptable, stressing that the government would intensify efforts to ensure that developers, contractors and other professionals in the built environment adhere strictly to approved building requirements.
“Building collapse is not just a structural failure; it is a human tragedy. Behind every collapsed building are lives lost, families affected and communities thrown into mourning,” the minister said.
He said the Federal Government was committed to tackling the menace through improved regulation, collaboration with professionals in the construction sector and stronger monitoring of building projects across the country.
According to him, all stakeholders in the built environment, including developers, contractors, engineers, architects and property owners, must ensure strict compliance with approved standards.
“We must ensure that buildings are properly designed, approved and constructed by qualified professionals. Cutting corners in the construction process puts lives at risk and cannot be allowed to continue,” he added.
The minister 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.
Over the years, building collapses have remained a major challenge in Nigeria, with several incidents recorded in major cities and involving residential, commercial and public structures.
Stakeholders in the built environment have attributed the recurring incidents to factors such as the use of substandard materials, poor supervision, disregard for approved building plans and weak enforcement of regulations.
They have continued to call for stronger sanctions against offenders, improved monitoring of construction activities and greater accountability among professionals involved in the design and execution of building projects.
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.
