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Nigeria Moves to Tackle Building Collapses: SON, Ministry Propose Strict Measures

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  • Modified: April 15th, 2025
Nigeria Moves to Tackle Building Collapses: SON, Ministry Propose Strict Measures

Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive move to curb Nigeria’s alarming rate of building collapses, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have unveiled a comprehensive action plan following a high-level conference in Abuja.

 Key Recommendations to Prevent Building Failures

The government agencies proposed these critical interventions:

  • Mandatory professional involvement: Only qualified experts to handle building designs
  • Strict material certification: Rigorous testing of all construction materials
  • Legal consequences: Punishments for quacks, defaulting professionals, and negligent clients
  • Regular building integrity tests: Especially for repurposed structures
  • Immediate passage: Of the long-delayed National Building Code
  • Port reinstatement: Return of SON inspectors to seaports for material verification

 Why These Measures Matter

SON DirectorGeneral Ifeanyi Okeke sounded the alarm: “Nigeria’s rapid urbanization demands affordable housing, but we cannot compromise on safety standards.” He revealed disturbing gaps in industry compliance despite repeated sensitization campaigns.

The communique from the conference titled ‘Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building/Construction Sector’ highlighted:

  • Critical need for SON’s physical presence at ports to properly implement the SONCAP certification program
  • Urgent professionalization of all construction processes
  • Education reforms to address knowledge gaps from tertiary institutions

 The Port Access Controversy

A major sticking point remains the 13yearold policy barring SON from ports. Okeke argued: “We can’t effectively certify materials we don’t physically inspect. This loophole enables substandard imports that compromise building safety.”

 Call to Action

The agencies urged:

  • National Assembly: To urgently pass the Building Code
  • Professional bodies: To enforce strict disciplinary measures
  • Educational institutions: To upgrade construction related curricula
  • Industry players: To use only certified materials and qualified personnel

 Looking Ahead

SON committed to maintaining its membership in the African Organisation for Standardization and other global bodies to keep Nigeria’s standards internationally competitive.

“This is a collective responsibility,” Okeke emphasized. “From architects to bricklayers, we must all commit to building a safer Nigeria.”