The construction industry in Nigeria is facing a growing crisis. The president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Barrister Prince Akintoye Adeoye, has raised alarm over the increasing use of substandard construction materials, particularly low-quality steel products, which are posing serious safety risks and contributing to the alarming rate of building collapses across the nation.

Speaking at the ongoing IRECE Conference in Abuja, Barrister Akintoye highlighted the urgent need for decisive action from regulatory authorities, professional organizations, and local manufacturers to reverse the trend.

Why Substandard Materials Are a Danger to Nigerian Construction

At the heart of the issue is the widespread availability of poorly manufactured steel and other materials used in building projects. According to Barrister Akintoye:

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• Subpar steel products lack the necessary durability to handle environmental pressures, loads, and structural stresses.
• The economic impact of these materials extends far beyond construction sites, with increased costs in insurance premiums, repairs, and replacements, creating a heavy financial burden.

He also emphasized the critical role of quality iron rods in reinforcing concrete, especially in high-rise buildings. Without reliable materials, structures are left vulnerable to natural disasters, fire outbreaks, corrosion, and even collapse under normal circumstances.

The Role of Regulations and Standards in Construction

Barrister Akintoye stressed the importance of proper regulation and enforcement to mitigate these dangers. He called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify its efforts in monitoring the construction materials market and eliminating low-quality products. However, enforcement alone isn’t enough.

Local institutions such as the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NIBRRI) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) must take the lead in research and development. By fostering the production of high-quality, locally made construction materials, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen the domestic market.

Professional Oversight is Crucial

Beyond materials, another critical factor contributing to building collapses is the involvement of unqualified personnel in construction processes. Prince Akintoye noted that untrained workers often cut corners, ignore safety protocols, and misuse materials, leading to disasters.

To combat this, the construction industry must prioritize the engagement of certified professionals. Organizations such as the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) play vital roles in ensuring that all builders in the country are licensed and adhere to stringent standards of safety and quality.

Revisiting the National Building Code

Another key issue highlighted was the lack of enforcement of the National Building Code. Despite its existence, lapses in enforcement have allowed unsafe practices and materials to flourish. To address this, Barrister Akintoye advocated for a holistic transformation of the Nigerian construction industry.

This transformation must focus on:

• Strict adherence to the National Building Code.
• Improved training and certification processes for builders.
• Collaboration between public and private sectors to implement reforms.

Key Takeaways

1. Substandard Materials are a Threat: Poor-quality steel and other materials compromise safety and lead to economic losses.
2. Regulatory Enforcement is Essential: The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) must play a more active role in monitoring materials.
3. Support Local Production: Local institutions must innovate and promote the use of high-quality, locally manufactured materials.
4. Professional Oversight is Critical: Certified builders and professionals should be at the helm of all construction projects to ensure safety and quality.
5. Enforce the National Building Code: A unified, regulated approach to building practices is needed to stem the tide of collapses.

FAQs

1. Why are substandard materials so common in Nigeria?
The high demand for affordable building materials, combined with poor regulatory enforcement, has created a market for substandard products.

2. What are the economic implications of using poor-quality materials?
The use of low-quality materials leads to increased repair costs, higher insurance premiums, and potentially devastating economic losses due to building collapses.

3. How can professionals ensure better construction practices?
Certified builders must be engaged in projects, and adherence to safety and quality standards must be strictly enforced.

4. What role does the National Building Code play?
The National Building Code sets the framework for safe and standardized construction practices. Proper enforcement can prevent the use of substandard materials and unqualified personnel.

5. What is the government’s role in solving this issue?
The government must strengthen regulatory agencies like SON, support local manufacturing, and collaborate with professional bodies to ensure compliance with the National Building Code.

Addressing the issue of low-quality construction materials is not just a matter of safety—it’s a matter of national progress. By enforcing regulations, empowering professionals, and supporting local industries, Nigeria can build a construction sector that is safe, reliable, and capable of driving economic growth.