Building Collapse: Builders Want Enforcement of Relevant Laws

• Builders Want Enforcement of Relevant Laws

To put an end to the incidence of building collapse, the Nigerian Institute of Building has called on the government to enforce relevant laws governing construction of buildings in the country.

The President, NIOB, Mr. Tijani Shuaib, said at the Building Construction and Machinery Exhibition that professionals in the built environment should share part of the blame for structural failures by allowing the use of substandard products in building construction.

He said, “One of the factors responsible for building collapse is the use of inferior and substandard products. If we allow substandard materials to be used, many buildings will not stand the test of time. Professionals in the sector have roles to play to stop the trend.

“We have our own shortcomings too in terms of design and construction, but as a body, we are working hard to ensure that standards are being followed. Government also needs to ensure they enforce laws that can give us the power to stop a building project that does not comply with standards.”

Shuaib also said the increase in the prices of building materials had become a major problem and had made it difficult for people to build their own houses.

The Managing Director, Atlantic Exhibition, organisers of the event, Mr. Ayo Olugbade, said the fourth edition in its series was an opportunity for businessmen to develop the nation and bring investment opportunities to the country.