Civil and geotechnical engineer, Ridwan Yusuff, has explained why buildings and structures collapse in Lagos State.
Yusuff, co-founder of Fortress Engineering and Geo-Services, made this known to the press while speaking on the rate at which buildings collapse in Lagos and the consequences of such misfortune.
The environmental expert stated that, as someone who did most of his scholarly research in Lagos, the technical problems behind the structural collapse in the state include the use of substandard materials, poor structural design, weak foundations, poor workmanship and supervision, corruption and regulatory failures, ageing infrastructure and lack of maintenance, unauthorised modifications, overcrowding and urban pressure, and some environmental factors.
He further explained that, though Lagos has unique terrains and environmental settings that must be factored in while constructing any major building, especially around the islands and densely populated areas, the main causes of building collapses are constructions by unqualified builders and contractors, who cut corners or ignore safety standards.
He went on to explain that most of these technical problems are the reasons behind the 2021 Ikoyi building collapse, the 2014 Synagogue Church collapse ─ and, more recently, the two-storey building under construction in Ajah, the set of three terraces under construction in Maryland, the three-storey building under renovation in Lagos Island, among others.
“A collapsed building poses serious health and environmental consequences for construction workers, first responders, and surrounding communities,” he said.
Yusuff noted that while the Lagos State government has made some efforts to curb building collapses, there are still gaps and challenges that hinder effective prevention ─ which, according to him, include weak legal and regulatory enforcement, illegal and unsafe building proliferation, compromised inspections and approvals, inadequate public awareness, ignorance about building safety and urban planning, and constructions on unsuitable sites.
He advised the Lagos State government to ensure that builders and contractors adhere to standards, rigorously test materials, comply with necessary certifications, and insist on environmental responsibility.
He also advised that the punishment of builders and engineers responsible for collapsed buildings should emphasise prevention, not just retribution. He added that while victims’ rights and safety remain paramount in cases of structural collapse, exemplary builders and contractors should be recognised and rewarded.
“By taking these steps, the government, builders, and building material manufacturers help build trust and support safer construction practices. This ultimately reduces the risk of building collapses and protects lives,” he added.
Yusuff, on the other hand, stressed that the Lagos State government alone cannot prevent structural and building collapse in the state, adding that citizens and professional bodies in the construction industry have vital roles to play too.
He charged the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), among others, to live up to their responsibilities of maintaining professional standards, protecting the public, and restoring trust in the industry.
“These professional associations should be guardians of quality and ethics, actively preventing future collapses while holding members accountable when failures occur. Their proactive stance can significantly raise construction standards in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Credit:The Guardian