The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has blamed incessant building collapses across Nigeria on the use of substandard materials, the employment of unqualified personnel, and disregard for approved building designs.

NIOB Chairman in Enugu, Gyok Luka, said this yesterday in Enugu during a media briefing to mark the 2026 Builders’ Week.

Luka, who expressed concern about the increasing number of building collapses and structural failures reported across the country, said such occurrences pose serious threats to lives and property and erode public confidence in the construction industry.

According to him, investigations into most cases consistently link them to poor construction management, use of inferior materials, absence of professional supervision, and engaging unqualified individuals in building projects.

He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting professionalism, ethical practice and adherence to best standards in building production management, stressing the need for stronger regulatory enforcement across all stages of building development.

However, Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the collapse of a school building on Adu Street in the Aguda area of Ogba in the state.

A statement, yesterday, by the Director of Public Affairs of the agency, Adu Ademuyiwa, said no fatalities were recorded as students, members of staff and other occupants had exited the building before the structure caved in.

MEANWHILE, Lagos State chapter of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), yesterday, charged developers to prioritise structural integrity in the construction process, shun financial pressure, and cost-cutting measures that could compromise the structural integrity of any building.

Chairman, REDAN Lagos chapter, Dr Tony Kolawole, gave the charge while reacting to the collapse of the four-storey building housing a school in Ogba.

He stressed that developers must ensure a solid building foundation, good columns as well as making sure that beams are adequately designed using the best of materials.

Kolawole, therefore, urged developers to engage every project COREN-registered engineer and ARCON-registered architects, warning that members must not cut corners by using unqualified personnel on any project, regardless of scale.