Abstract
BUILDING FAILURE CRISIS IN NIGERIA: ADDRESSING CAUSES, PREVALENCE AND SOLUTIONS
Ekundayo O. O.*
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates through recent literature review the rising incidences of building failure in Nigeria, a hydra-headed issue that has grave implications for the economy and public safety. It identified certain root causes as prevalent among many authors including defective foundations, poor quality of building material, construction practices which are in violations of extant building codes and underperforming enforcement regime. Also identified in the study as a challenge is the lack of detailed reporting and media attention sufficient to understand the issues. The importance of standardizing building collapse reporting, re-jigging the current regime of regulation enforcement, skill and knowledge update for construction professionals is emphasized. Additionally highlighted is the need to prioritize some pre-construction variables including soil investigation, design load determination and material testing to ensure the use of quality materials. The study advocates a shift in cultural perspectives regarding regulation enforcement, accuracy of reporting as well as accountability in the management of construction firms towards advancing the safety indices in the built environment and reducing building collapse incidences.
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