Building collapse: ABU VC urges collective action against quackery

Prof Kabiru Bala, the vice chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has called for unified professional efforts to combat quackery and the use of substandard materials in construction, aimed at curbing incidents of building collapse in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inaugural Northern Builders Forum Retreat in Zaria, Prof Bala highlighted the need for professionals in Nigeria’s building environment to demonstrate competence and diligence in ensuring safe structures for habitation.

“The increasing incidents of building collapse in Nigeria necessitate a joint effort among professionals to safeguard our building environment from quack practices and substandard materials,” he said.

Prof Bala, a former chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), noted that despite challenges, the construction sector offerred significant opportunities for economic growth, particularly in addressing the country’s housing and infrastructure deficits.

“With an estimated 28 million housing unit deficit and substantial infrastructure gaps, builders and other professionals must prepare to leverage on these opportunities for national development,” he stressed.

Earlier, Mr Samson Opaluwah, the chairman of CORBON, underscored the construction sector’s role as a major employer of labour in Nigeria. He emphasised the need for capacity building in indigenous construction firms to retain economic benefits within the country.