National Assembly Backing Crucial for Nigeria’s Building Code Effectiveness, Experts Argue

Industry leaders advocate for legislative action to combat building collapses through proper implementation of national construction standards

Legislative Support Needed for Building Safety

Nigerian construction experts are pushing for stronger legislative backing of the National Building Code to address the persistent challenge of building collapses across the country. According to building industry veteran Kunle Awobodu, former President of the Nigerian Institute of Building and Building Collapse Prevention Guild, the code requires formal adoption by the National Assembly to achieve meaningful impact.

“The code itself can be reviewed regularly, but there has to be a legal backing from the National Assembly so that it will be more effective,” Awobodu stated in recent discussions with legislative representatives. This advocacy comes amid growing concerns about construction safety standards and the need for uniform regulations nationwide.

The Domestication Challenge

While the National Building Code exists as a framework, its implementation remains inconsistent across Nigeria’s 36 states. The absence of federal legislative backing has created what Awobodu describes as a “lacuna” in construction regulation enforcement.

“The vibrancy was not really there,” Awobodu noted regarding current code adoption. “This time around, there is need for us to let it become our guiding rules – the data that will guide us in our practice in the industry.”

Industry professionals argue that without standardized implementation strategies, building safety remains compromised. States that have begun domesticating the code are still in what Awobodu characterizes as a “teething stage” of implementation.

Implementation Strategies for State Adoption

Effective code implementation requires coordinated efforts at multiple levels of government and industry. Awobodu outlined critical components for successful adoption:

“Number one, the states must embrace the building code that came from the national level. Those in the states’ ministry of physical planning and urban development will use the code as their basis of operation,” he explained.

The strategy also includes widespread promotion and accessibility. “There will be a lot of publicity, a lot of promotions, so that the clients that are funding projects will have easy access to the code. It will be there for everybody to see.”

The Distressed Building Dilemma

A particularly concerning issue highlighted in the discussions involves the renovation of structurally compromised buildings. Awobodu expressed strong reservations about this practice, noting that buildings experiencing premature deterioration indicate fundamental construction flaws.

“A building constructed that was expected to last several years, now beginning to depreciate within a few years, is totally abnormal,” he stated. “Substandard construction of buildings will be the cause of this.”

The solution, according to building safety advocates, involves proper structural audits and, when necessary, demolition of unsafe structures. However, this approach faces practical challenges as property owners face significant financial losses when buildings are condemned.

Economic Realities vs. Safety Imperatives

The tension between economic considerations and safety requirements presents a significant obstacle to building safety reforms. Awobodu acknowledged the difficult position of property owners: “Naturally, the owner of that property or the developer that invested in it will feel somehow to support demolition of what he or she has invested a lot of funds into.”

This economic pressure often leads to what he described as “secret renovation” of distressed buildings, creating potentially dangerous situations for occupants and neighboring properties. The situation highlights the need for comprehensive solutions that address both safety concerns and the financial impact on property owners.

As the Building Collapse Prevention Guild continues its advocacy efforts, the focus remains on establishing a robust legal framework that can standardize construction practices nationwide and reduce the incidence of building failures.

Source: Tribune Online