CORBON, NIOB urge Kwara govt to enforce building code after Ilorin building collapse

The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Kwara State Chapter, have called on the Kwara State Government to strengthen building inspections and enforce the National Building Code following the collapse of a two-storey residential building in Ilorin that claimed one life.

The recommendation was contained in a preliminary report released after the bodies conducted a technical site visit to the collapsed building at Oke Suna, beside Oke Suna Primary School in the Gambari community.

Among other recommendations, CORBON and NIOB urged the state government to strengthen monitoring and inspection of all building projects, include registered builders in building approval processes, establish periodic structural audits for old and distressed buildings, intensify public awareness campaigns on building safety and maintenance, and deepen collaboration with professional bodies to improve compliance with construction standards.

The bodies also advised property owners to engage only registered professionals in the planning, design, construction and supervision of buildings, avoid unauthorised structural alterations, carry out routine maintenance and use only quality construction materials that meet approved standards.

Occupants and residents were urged to report signs of structural distress, including cracks, excessive settlement and tilting, and to immediately vacate any building considered unsafe until it is certified fit for occupation by qualified professionals.

The recommendations followed the collapse of the two-storey residential building, which was completed about eight years ago and had been occupied for two to three years before it suddenly gave way around 7 a.m. on July 4, killing one person and several goats. A preliminary assessment by the professional bodies identified possible deficiencies in construction materials and workmanship but noted that only a comprehensive structural investigation can determine the actual cause of the collapse.