an investigation oN THE Causes of building collapse in nigeria

¹Alamu F. Bosede and ²Gana Matthew Sunday

¹Department of Quantity Surveying, The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

²Department of Building Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

E-mail: vickkykemmy4love@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The paper examines the causes of building collapse in Nigeria. The objectives are set to determine the general causes of some building collapse and to evaluate the extent of loss in terms of life and properties. The paper attributes the rising incidents of building collapse to the use of substandard building materials and incompetent professionals in construction activities, inadequate supervision, faulty building foundation, the refusal of the wider society to recognise professionalism and pay for the services and the attitude of the building contractors and other stakeholders as the major problem. The paper asserts that promoting or achieving an enduring safety culture in building involves designing, constructing and using buildings in such a manner as to make the building safe for occupation and for carrying out all desired activities. Strategies for ameliorating the trend are suggested. The paper posits that the professionals responsible for designing and monitoring construction as well as the government, manufacturers and the contractors have great roles to play in other to reduce and avert this trend.