Abuja, June 25, 2026 – Construction professionals have renewed calls for strict compliance with industry regulations, warning that the continued use of substandard materials and unqualified personnel remains a major threat to building safety across the country.
The concerns were raised on Thursday during activities marking the 25th anniversary of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) and the Construction Expo Africa 2026 held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the institution’s Deputy National Chairman, Prof. Sonny Ali, identified poor-quality building materials, disregard for professional expertise and weak compliance with engineering standards as key factors contributing to recurring cases of building collapse.
He urged individuals and organisations embarking on construction projects to engage certified and professionally registered civil engineers, stressing that qualified experts possess the technical knowledge required to detect defective materials and make appropriate design modifications when necessary.
According to Ali, professional engineers are trained to evaluate construction materials, identify deficiencies and adjust structural designs to ensure buildings remain safe and fit for purpose.
He advised Nigerians to prioritise quality over cost-cutting measures, noting that attempts to save money by avoiding professional services often result in greater losses and safety risks.
Reflecting on the institution’s 25-year journey, Ali said NICE had recorded significant progress in professional practice, knowledge development and collaboration with government agencies.
He noted that the institution had continued to strengthen the competence of its members while contributing to the advancement of civil engineering practice nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), commended NICE for its role in supporting infrastructure development over the years.
He observed that civil engineers remain central to the delivery of critical infrastructure such as roads, rail networks, bridges and buildings, all of which are essential for national growth and economic development.
While acknowledging achievements in the sector, Opaluwah said more work was needed to address existing infrastructure gaps and improve the quality of public facilities across the country.
He called for stronger support from government and citizens to ensure that construction projects at all levels are handled by qualified professionals.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), revealed that findings from the institute’s research showed that substandard materials accounted for the majority of reported building collapse incidents.
He explained that other factors identified include faulty designs, inadequate geotechnical assessments and poor construction practices.
Duna stressed the importance of comprehensive quality assurance measures, recommending that critical construction materials such as cement, steel reinforcement, aggregates, concrete blocks, timber, bitumen and asphalt undergo proper testing before deployment on project sites.
He highlighted the availability of modern testing facilities at NBRRI and encouraged industry stakeholders to make use of accredited laboratories to verify material quality.
The NBRRI chief also urged regulatory agencies and professional bodies to intensify monitoring activities, enforce compliance with standards and carry out routine inspections of manufacturers and suppliers.
He further advocated sustained public awareness campaigns on the identification of quality construction materials, alongside government policies that promote the use of certified products in building and infrastructure projects.
Participants at the event agreed that stronger regulation, public education and greater reliance on qualified professionals would play a crucial role in reducing building failures and improving safety standards within the construction industry.