The collapsed storey building
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has called for stricter enforcement of building standards following the tragic collapse of Saint Academy School in the Busa Buji area of Jos.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 12, resulted in the deaths of 22 students and injuries to 132 others.
During a press conference held in Jos on Monday, Prof. Samson Duna, the Director-General of NBRRI, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and announced the establishment of an investigative panel.
The investigative panel, led by Prof. O.F. Job from the Geology Department of the University of Jos, has been assigned the task of uncovering both the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse.
“This incident, like many others, is the result of someone’s failure to adhere to proper construction practices,” Therefore, it is our duty to ensure such negligence does not go unaddressed.” Duna emphasized.
He also stressed the necessity of enforcing strict compliance with building codes and standards. “Regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance are essential to prevent such tragedies. We must identify and rectify the failures that led to this disaster”.
Furthermore, Duna praised the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Red Cross, and various security agencies for their role in the rescue operations.
“Numerous children and teachers were trapped under the debris for hours before rescue operations commenced. Their prompt response was crucial in saving many lives.”
Discussing the alarming frequency of building collapses in Nigeria, Duna mentioned several significant incidents, including the 2021 collapse of a 21-story building in Lagos that claimed the lives of 42 people.
“The frequency of building collapses in Nigeria is cause for concern. Each incident results in significant human and economic losses. It is essential that we take a comprehensive approach to address this issue”, he said.
He outlined several measures to prevent future collapses, including quality control of construction materials and ensuring that only qualified professionals are involved in building projects.
“We must ensure the safety of occupants by demanding quality construction materials and practices, and by supporting the enforcement of building codes,” he said.
Duna urged all stakeholders, including government agencies and the public, to prioritize building safety.
“By following these strategies, we can minimize the occurrences of building collapses. Together, we can prevent these tragic events and ensure safer buildings for all Nigerians”, he added.
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