Building collapse in Nigeria is a recurring tragedy that former President of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Adesegun Banjoko, says requires stronger enforcement of construction standards and lower cement prices.
Banjoko said recent building failures across the country are largely linked to poor-quality materials and weak compliance with safety regulations during construction.
The sector faces persistent challenges regarding the integrity of building components and the adherence to established technical rules, he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Artisans remain essential to the industry despite technological advancements, but Banjoko argued that safety depends on integrity throughout the entire construction process.
He placed responsibility for structural failures on a wide range of actors, including building developers, contractors, engineers, material suppliers, and regulators, rather than solely on the skills of individual workers.
This collective responsibility suggests that enforcement gaps within the regulatory framework are as damaging as the use of substandard concrete.
Cost of Cement Drives Housing Prices
Banjoko also emphasized that the high price of cement significantly affects housing affordability, as it is a primary input for foundations, walls, and concrete structures.
While reducing the cost of this essential material could lower project expenses, industry data indicates that it is only one piece of the puzzle.
A recent report on Lagos’ housing market found that even an 82 per cent reduction in cement prices would only reduce house prices by about 14 to 15 per cent.
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This means that cheaper cement alone will not solve the housing crisis.
The broader issue involves high land costs, limited access to mortgages, low household incomes, and infrastructure deficits.
For developers facing pressure from rising land, labour, and logistics expenses, the push for cheaper materials must be carefully managed to avoid compromising safety.
Stronger enforcement of professional standards is necessary to curb the use of unqualified personnel and substandard components in building projects.
Without adequate capacity to inspect sites and verify materials, regulations often remain theoretical rather than practical.
Ensuring that approved plans are followed requires accountability at every stage, from initial design to final inspection.
Regulators must have the resources to hold developers and contractors accountable when specifications are ignored or altered without approval.
Collaboration between government agencies responsible for physical planning and professional bodies could help identify recurring failures and implement more effective preventive measures.
A safer housing market ultimately depends on balancing reduced construction costs with the rigorous quality controls required to protect lives and property.
