The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Works, Environment, Housing, and Safety Standards to launch an investigation into the growing issue of building collapses across the country.
According to The PUNCH, this decision followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Investigate the Menace of Incessant Building Collapse in Nigeria,” sponsored by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who represents the Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State.
Oseni expressed concern over the alarming frequency of building collapses in major Nigerian cities, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to safeguard lives and property.
He highlighted the July 12, 2024, collapse of a two-storey building at Saint Academy in Busa Buji, Jos, Plateau State, where 154 people were trapped, resulting in 22 deaths.
Quoting a report from The PUNCH dated July 15, 2024, Oseni revealed that 135 building collapse incidents had been recorded between 2022 and July 2024.
He warned that without immediate action, more lives and properties would be at risk, stating, “If nothing is done to urgently combat this emergency, more lives and property will be lost and destroyed, leading to a devastating impact on communities and the economy.”
Oseni further noted that regulatory bodies, such as the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria, have a duty to enforce standards and prevent compromises in building practices.
Following deliberations, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the Committee on Works to investigate the root causes of these collapses and propose sustainable solutions.
The committee has been given four weeks to report its findings and recommendations for further legislative action.
