The Urgent Need for a National Building Code
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concern of building collapses across Nigeria. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, the Majority Leader of the House, has assured the public and international community that the 10th Assembly is committed to accelerating the passage of the proposed National Building Code bill. This initiative aims to mitigate the frequent incidents of structural failures that have become a major issue in the country.
During an interactive session with the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) delegation, led by Builder Kunle Awobodu, Ihonvbere emphasized the importance of the clean copy of the building code being presented as a private member’s bill. He explained that the bill will go through a public hearing process, which is expected to be swift due to the professional nature of the discussion. Once passed in the House, it will be sent to the Senate for concurrence, after which a joint conference between both Houses will finalize the process.
Addressing Substandard Building Materials
A key concern raised during the meeting was the influx of substandard building materials into the country. Ihonvbere expressed his disapproval of the removal of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) from the ports. He argued that SON plays a crucial role in ensuring quality control and that its absence has led to a surge in poor-quality materials entering the market. The House has previously passed resolutions to reinstate SON at the ports, but the implementation has been delayed.
Ihonvbere highlighted that the removal of SON was not due to an overload of work but rather a deliberate act by individuals who benefit from the entry of substandard products. He pledged to investigate further and ensure that the agency is reinstated to safeguard the quality of construction materials in Nigeria.
Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Performance Insurance
Another critical area discussed was the role of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). Ihonvbere criticized reports that the bank was saving money instead of using funds to build houses for contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF). He stressed the need for performance insurance, emphasizing that no commercial or private building should be constructed without proper insurance coverage for both the project and the workers involved.
He pointed out that in the event of a building collapse, families often receive no compensation, and the victims’ bodies are left unattended. Ihonvbere called for mechanisms to ensure that such tragedies are prevented and that there is a system in place for compensation when they do occur.
The Role of Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers were also highlighted as essential in the fight against building collapses. Ihonvbere emphasized the need for protection and reward systems for those who report violations. He suggested the establishment of a central situation room where complaints can be quickly investigated, and whistleblowers are rewarded for their contributions.
The Importance of Legislative Oversight
Builder Kunle Awobodu, the Pioneer President of BCPG, described the issue of building collapses as a collective embarrassment that affects the country’s image. He noted that 681 buildings have collapsed in Nigeria, with Lagos recording the highest number at 368, followed by Abuja and other states. Awobudu urged the legislative arm to prioritize investigation and oversight, while the executive handles implementation and enforcement.
Dr. Emmanuel Agbator, the National Publicity Secretary of BCPG, emphasized the need for a legislative framework to address the national building code before the end of the 10th Assembly. He called for federal standards and compliance agencies to monitor construction activities and enforce regulations effectively. He also advocated for mandatory professional sign-off and digital monitoring systems similar to those used in developed countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
Call for Stiffer Sanctions
Agbator also highlighted the need for stiffer penalties for gross negligence and quack practices in the construction industry. He argued that current sanctions are insufficient and that criminal liability should be imposed on those responsible for building collapses. He stressed the importance of site insurance and performance guarantees, which are currently lacking in many projects.
Conclusion
The discussions underscored the urgent need for comprehensive legislation, strict enforcement of regulations, and the protection of whistleblowers. As the 10th Assembly works towards passing the National Building Code, it is clear that the collaboration between the legislative and executive branches is essential to address the ongoing crisis of building collapses in Nigeria.
