Perceived causes of Building Collapse in Nigeria: Liabilities and Sanctions
Livinus Liamkondo Ater 1 &Benjamin Shima Nyam 2
1Department of Building Technology,
Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi
2Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Benue State University Makurdi
ABSTRACT
Nigeria has witnessed many cases of building collapse in the last ten years. Precisely, thirty two cases were reviewed in this work. On the spot assessment and report from the professionals who visit the collapse sites revealed that in 2006 alone about seven buildings collapsed in Nigeria killing about 65 people. In the year 2007, two buildings collapsed killing several people but the number was not disclosed. In 2008, four cases of building collapse occurred killing twenty people. In 2009, three cases of building collapse were reported killing several people, in 2010, four cases of building collapse was reported killing 32 people. In 2011, three cases of building collapse occurred killing 105 people. In 2012, five cases of building collapse occurred killing several people the exact number was not disclosed. In 2013, five cases of building collapse were reported killing 25 people and several other numbers not disclosed. In 2014, a case was reported killing 116 people and also a case was reported in 2015. Most of the collapsed of these buildings were caused by structural failure, use of substandard building materials and poor workmanship. Yet not very many people held responsible and sanctioned. This paper therefore concludes that professionals and building contractors whose building collapse should be sanctioned. The NBC 2006 bill should be passed by the National Assembly giving it the power of enforcement.
Keywords: Building collapses, Liabilities, Sanctions, Nigeria.
