Quacks, Weak Regulation Put Nigerians at Risk as Building Collapses Persist

By Benson Daniel

The persistent collapse of buildings across Nigeria has renewed concerns over the safety of the country’s built environment, with industry experts blaming the trend on the activities of unqualified practitioners, weak regulatory enforcement, substandard materials and failure to comply with approved construction standards.

The concern has become more urgent as several building collapse incidents have been recorded across different parts of the country, resulting in deaths, injuries and significant property losses.

Recent assessments of Nigeria’s building sector indicate that the problem is not simply the absence of regulations. Rather, weaknesses in enforcement, inadequate monitoring and the involvement of unqualified individuals continue to undermine existing safety measures.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly warned that allowing people without the required technical competence to handle critical stages of construction can expose occupants and the wider public to serious risks. Poor workmanship, structural defects, inadequate soil investigations and the use of inferior materials can all contribute to the failure of a structure.

The situation has been particularly concerning in Lagos, where rapid urbanisation, population growth and intense pressure for housing have increased construction activity. Research published in 2026 found that regulatory agencies in the state face challenges including inadequate manpower, corruption, political interference and poor coordination between institutions responsible for planning, approvals, materials testing and building control.

The consequences of regulatory weaknesses have been illustrated by recent collapses. In June, a three storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos collapsed, killing nine people and injuring 27 others. The incident prompted authorities to order structural integrity assessments of adjoining buildings and renewed enforcement of building regulations.

Another major incident occurred in Rivers State in June when a six storey building under construction collapsed along Dr Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt, triggering a prolonged search and rescue operation involving emergency response agencies.

The problem has also extended beyond Lagos and Rivers. In July, a student hostel in Oko, Anambra State, collapsed, prompting the state government to establish an investigation panel comprising professionals from various sectors of the construction industry to determine the cause and identify those responsible.

Experts say the recurring incidents demonstrate the need for stronger supervision throughout the entire construction process rather than relying mainly on intervention after a structure has failed.

Professional bodies have consequently intensified calls for tougher action against quack practitioners and stronger control of construction activities. The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria recently approved a 90 day Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement Rapid Response Task Force aimed at tackling quackery, improving project monitoring and strengthening public safety.

A 2026 engineering study examining building collapses between 2015 and 2025 also identified structural defects, poor construction techniques and inferior materials among the major identifiable triggers. The study reported that Lagos accounted for more than half of documented cases during the period and recorded substantial fatalities and injuries nationwide.

Stakeholders argue that preventing future disasters will require governments to improve the capacity and independence of regulatory institutions, ensure adequate staffing and equipment, strengthen inspection systems and impose meaningful penalties on developers and professionals who violate safety requirements.

They also stress the importance of ensuring that only qualified and registered professionals are engaged at critical stages of building development, while property owners should be encouraged to conduct regular structural assessments of ageing buildings.

For Nigerians, the issue goes beyond construction standards. It is increasingly a question of public safety, as homes, schools, offices, markets and other buildings are expected to provide shelter without becoming potential death traps.

With urban populations continuing to grow and demand for housing remaining high, experts warn that failure to address weaknesses in the construction and regulatory system could result in more preventable tragedies.