Engineers examine causes of incessant building collapse, give recommendations

 The maiden edition of the online lecture series of the Young Engineers Forum of Nigeria (YEFoN), was held with respect to the recent building collapse in Lagos (21-storey building at Gerrard road Ikoyi).

The programme, which was held in conjunction with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) recently in Lagos on zoom platform, was Tagged: “Recurring building collapse in Nigeria: Young Engineers Perspective” .

The findings made at the end of the lecture as the root causes of Building Collapse includes; the use of unskilled artisans (quacks) to supervise engineering projects, Non-Professionals supervising Engineering projects, poor awareness of the society on the need to engage professionals and Non adherence to quality control/quality assurance measures.

Others were failure of regulatory agencies in monitoring and enforcement, preponderance of substandard construction materials in the industry, greed and high level of corruption in the country and failure of government at different levels to punish offenders conclusively that were believed to perpetuate impunity.

On the 21-Storey Ikoyi Building case study; publication report claim the building was initially designed for 6, 12, 15 floors (This is inconclusive), the structural consultant for the project resigned because they could not ascertain the structural integrity of the building and workers attest zero quality control as rendering was up to 9 inches in some floors to suffice for block mis-alignment.

Findings also showed that Contractor was not engaged, as direct labour was used for a building of such magnitude “High rise building”, including refusal of client to comply with stop work order issued by regulatory agency on contravention of approved plan.

However, the forum highlighted some of the challenges faced by Young Engineers in Nigeria to include; inappropriate mentoring by senior colleagues, difficulty in securing IT placement, internship and job to garner relevant experience in the engineering sector, Low/zero financial remuneration for early startups, No sponsorship of Young Engineers to attend engineering programs and weak structure of the Young Engineers forum of Nigeria.

Therefore, the following recommendations were made:

The Nigerian Society of Engineers should revive the YEFoN structure and admit a member to its council.

Representation of YEFoN members in all NSE committees.

Young Engineers should focus on continuous capacity development: Trainings, seminars, lectures and higher degrees in order to acquire relevant work experience.

Professional membership: The NSE should encourage registration of all cadres of Young Engineers.

Constant networking with fellow Young Engineers.

Explore entrepreneurial initiatives due to the high rate of unemployment in the country and specialise in a particular area in engineering and master the art.

The Council for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) should ensure that only certified, competent and qualified professionals are involved in engineering projects.

The ceremony was chaired by the President of the NSE, Engr. Babagana Mohammed, FNSE, Host was the Chairman of NSE Lagos branch Engr. Ayotunde Olukayode Ogunnoiki and the Distinguished guest of honour was the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, while the Special Guest of Honor was Engr. Mrs Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe, National Chairman Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers.

Speakers at the lecture were Engr. Oguara, Rankins and Engr Ejika Emmanuel (YEFoN), Engr. Dr Victor Oyenuga, Past President of the Nigerian institution of structural engineers, Engr. Atilade Oshoniyi, Chairman, construction and real estate practice in Nigeria, Dubai, London & USA and Engr. Dr Omolola Adetona, as the moderator and Vice Chairman, NSE Lagos Branch, among others.

Also, the following coordinators attended and made input to the success of the program; Engr. Messiah Ameh, coordinator NSE Ikeja Branch, Zaharadeen Isah Nayaya, coordinator NSE Kano Branch, Raheem Adeosun, representative NSE Lagos Branch and Engr. Prince Erasmus, coordinator NSE Yenagoa Branch, Engr. Ogum Stanley,  coordinator NSE Asaba Branch and Chukwudi Chukwudubem Anointing, President, Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA).