The Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building has intensified its demand for rigorous enforcement of professional standards and building regulations. This follows the collapse of two structures in Osisioma Local Government Area, which has reignited concerns over construction safety in the region.
The affected properties, both nearing completion, were located at New Jerusalem Road 8 and Eze Iheme Road, near Ama Uchenna Mgboko, Umuette Okpulo Umuobo, in Osisioma Ngwa LGA. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in either incident.
During an inspection of the collapse sites on Saturday, institute officials stressed the need for stronger preventive measures to avert recurring structural failures. Wisdom Okore, Chairman of the Institute’s Practice Committee, highlighted that the frequency of building collapses across Nigeria demands coordinated intervention from government bodies, regulatory agencies, and construction professionals. He emphasized that continuous capacity building through workshops and training initiatives would enhance adherence to established standards and improve overall construction quality.
Okore noted that registered professional builders are statutorily tasked with overseeing building projects from start to finish, in line with recognized standards. He called on the Abia State Government to bolster implementation of the National Building Code and the state’s Physical Planning and Development Regulations, asserting that stricter enforcement could significantly reduce structural failures. While expressing relief that no lives were lost, he extended sympathies to those who suffered property damage.
Echoing his sentiments, Chinedu Nwanosike, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building in Abia State, urged all professionals in the construction sector to maintain ethical conduct and follow approved procedures to prevent future tragedies.