By Ladi Gbegi
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has emphasized the urgent need for a holistic and integrated approach to address the alarming frequency of building collapses across the nation.
This call was made by the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, who, through a statement by the Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, highlighted the devastating consequences of these incidents, including significant loss of life and widespread destruction of property.
Dr. Okeke stressed that a comprehensive strategy, involving all stakeholders in the construction industry, is crucial for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of buildings nationwide. This, he noted, is essential to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s building sector, which has been severely shaken by recent tragedies.
The SON’s investigations into these collapses have identified several root causes, including inadequate structural designs, the prevalence of quackery and unprofessional practices, and the insufficient or complete absence of soil testing prior to construction. Additional factors contributing to the problem include poor construction practices, unauthorized or unapproved building activities, faulty demolition processes, lack of proper maintenance, negligence, the use of substandard materials, and poor drainage systems.
To combat these issues, Dr. Okeke urged strict adherence to established Specifications and Codes of Practice by both regulators and service providers within the industry. He emphasized that compliance with these standards is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical measure for safeguarding lives and properties.
Since 2004, SON has developed 168 Standards and Codes of Practice specifically tailored for the building and construction sector in Nigeria. Among these are the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 117: 2004, which sets the specification for steel bars used in the reinforcement of concrete, and the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 499: 2004, which outlines standards for iron and steel.
Other key standards include the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 588: 2007, which details the method for determining the compressive strength of concrete cores, and the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 585: 2007, which specifies requirements for concrete admixtures, particularly accelerating admixtures.
Dr. Okeke concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritize these standards during construction activities to prevent further incidents and to help rebuild the trust of Nigerians in the country’s construction industry.
