By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has taken a bold step to address the alarming rate of building collapses in Nigeria.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Investigate the Menace of Incessant Building Collapse in Nigeria sponsored by Hon. Aderemi Oseni. prompting the House to mandate its Committees on Works, Environment, Housing, and Safety Standards to probe the issue.
The Committees’ task is to identify the causes of these collapses and propose lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences. They are expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
The government’s primary responsibility is to protect citizens’ lives and properties, but the recurring building collapse cases in major Nigerian cities have become a significant concern. The latest incident occurred on July 12, this year, where 154 people were trapped under debris in Saint Academy’s two-story building in Busa Buji community, Jos, Plateau State, resulting in 22 deaths.
According to the Punch Newspaper of July 15, 2024, Nigeria experienced 135 building collapse incidents between 2022 and July 2024. This staggering number highlights the need for urgent action to prevent more lives and properties from being lost.
If left unaddressed, these building collapses will have a devastating impact on communities and the economy. The House recognizes that the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN) and other professional associations play a crucial role in enforcing regulations and controlling the engineering profession.
These associations are responsible for preventing industry best practices from being compromised. The House is counting on them to work together to find a solution to this pressing issue.
The Committees on Works, Environment, Housing, and Safety Standards will work tirelessly to identify the root causes of these building collapses. Their findings will inform policy decisions to prevent future tragedies.
By taking proactive measures, the House of Representatives demonstrates its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens and ensuring their safety.
Through this investigation, the House aims to restore public confidence in the building industry and prevent further loss of life and property.
