The rising incidence of building collapses across Nigeria has prompted the Federal Government to take decisive action, inaugurating a 14-member task team to address this pressing national crisis. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, expressed deep concern over the recurring tragedies, emphasizing the devastating impact on human lives, property, and the psychological well-being of affected families. The minister declared the situation a national embarrassment, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive intervention to curb the trend and prevent future disasters. This newly formed task team represents an expansion of a previous committee and signifies the government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of structural failures in the country’s building sector.
The foundation for the expanded task team’s work lies in a comprehensive report submitted by an earlier committee headed by renowned architect, Maji Alkali. This report meticulously outlined 18 key recommendations aimed at bolstering building safety standards and preventing collapses. Recognizing the critical role of regulatory and professional bodies in ensuring compliance and accountability, the minister emphasized the inclusion of these entities in the expanded task team. This strategic move is designed to foster a collaborative approach, incorporating the expertise and oversight of key stakeholders within the built environment. This expanded team reflects a whole-of-sector approach, bringing together diverse perspectives and ensuring that recommendations are not only developed but also effectively implemented.
The composition of the task team underscores the government’s commitment to a multi-disciplinary approach. It includes representatives from key regulatory bodies such as the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN), the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), and the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON). Also included are the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), and the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG). This broad representation ensures that all relevant professional perspectives are considered in developing and implementing solutions.
Minister Dangiwa stressed the crucial interplay of various disciplines in ensuring building safety. He highlighted the necessity of seamless collaboration among architects, engineers, surveyors, town planners, builders, and estate valuers, recognizing that a holistic approach is essential to addressing the complex issue of building collapses. This emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration signifies a shift towards a more integrated approach to building regulation and oversight, recognizing the interconnectedness of the various professional roles involved in the construction process.
The task team’s mandate, as outlined in its Terms of Reference, includes formulating phased strategies for implementing the 18 recommendations put forth by the Alkali-led committee. This phased approach is designed to ensure a structured and manageable implementation process, allowing for adjustments and refinements based on ongoing progress and feedback. The minister reiterated the ministry’s unwavering support for the task team, pledging to integrate its recommendations into national housing and urban development policies. This commitment signifies the government’s intention to embed the task team’s findings into the broader policy framework, ensuring long-term and sustainable improvements in building safety standards.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Shuiab Belgore, underscored the significance of the task team’s composition. He emphasized that the members were carefully selected based on their expertise and experience in addressing the urgent national challenge of recurring building collapses. The expansion of the committee to include representatives from critical regulatory institutions further reinforces the government’s commitment to fostering multidisciplinary engagement and ensuring coordinated action across the entire building sector. The task team is expected to commence its work immediately, signifying the urgency with which the government is approaching this critical issue and the expectation of tangible outcomes in the near future. The task team faces a significant challenge in tackling the complex and multifaceted issue of building collapses, but its formation represents a crucial step towards ensuring safer and more resilient built environments across the country.
