Weak regulations worsening building collapse cases in Nigeria

Australia-based structural engineer, Dr Benedict Olalusi, attributes Nigeria's recurring building collapses to weak regulations, lack of enforcement, and poor compliance with structural standards. He also cites limited research capacity and poor property management practices. Dr Olalusi, an Adjunct Professor of Structural Engineering at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa, stated that building failures persist because regulations and professional standards are not consistently enforced across all stages of building development. He noted that the problem affects both new and existing structures due to poor maintenance, inadequate drainage, flooding, changing soil conditions, and lack of preventive structural assessment. Dr Olalusi, a chartered structural integrity and forensic engineer with Sedgwick, Australia, stressed the need for urgent reforms, highlighting that many property owners do not understand the necessity of routine maintenance and periodic structural reviews. He called for a coordinated national strategy based on enforcement, modernisation, research, and preventive asset management, emphasizing that building safety must be a whole-life responsibility.