Collapse building; Professionals sue for approving powers —NIA Chair

The Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Lagos State Chapter, Architect Fitzgerald Umah, has advised governments at all levels to hand over building approving powers to professional bodies. Umah reckons that this would help to mitigate the rising incidences of collapse buildings, orchestrated by unprofessional handling of construction works by quarks with consequential and untimely deaths of unsuspecting site workers.

He stated this at the August breakfast meeting organzined by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, NACC, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos with a theme: Building Collapse and the Need for Re-Certification.

Among other reasons identified for recurring building collapse in Nigeria were faulty designs; extra loads; ecological position; failure of expertise and poor supervision by regulatory agencies etc.

As a remedy, panelist at the event advocated an expanded enlightenment campaign by govern,ment regulatory agencies, stiffer penalties, effective collaboration of stakeholders.

The chamber, in earlier remarks, noted that “The incidence of building collapse has become a recurring decimal in several parts of Nigeria which has raised much concern and anxiety about the safety of lives and property. Lagos especially, has recorded an alarming proportion of this tragedy.

As a chamber of commerce, we feel compelled to create such platform as this to bring together relevant stakeholders in the industry through thought-provoking presentations and panel discussions, thereby uncovering innovations in problem solving, strengthening expertise and expanding collaborations through programmes like this.”

Renowned real estate operator, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, was the major sponsor of the breakfast event.