FG orders probe on Kano building collapse

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has decried the recent building collapse in Noman’s Land Quarters in Kano and ordered a full-scale investigation into the root cause of the unfortunate incident in the ancient city.

Dangiwa made this in a statement in Abuja and directed the relevant officials to quickly investigate the collapse and take decisive action after the finding was submitted.

A two-story building at Noman’s Land Quarters in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State was reported to have collapsed and trapped many people inside.

The Minister regretted the recurrence of building collapse, emphasizing that there is a need for an overhaul in the system and full implementation of building codes and regulations in the country.

He therefore described the Kano incident as another sad development exposing the rot in the building industry over the years which if unchecked will continue to remain catastrophic to the industry and society.

A report by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that two persons had recovered from the rubles dead, while two others had been taken to the hospital for treatment

Accordingly, Dangiwa called on state governments to rise up to the challenge and the relevant agencies to swing into action to preempt anything capable of causing the building collapse.

The Minister recalled the last Jos school building collapse and emphatically stated that the federal government is committed to getting the root of the matter and prosecute every one found culpable.

“I have received the report of the Jos collapse investigation and a checklist of all professionals involved in the construction is being compiled for us to take action” he stated

Arc Dangiwa assured that government will do what is needed to deter others from putting Nigerians at risk with their reckless and unprofessional activities, stating that the ministry is working on a robust regulation mechanism with relevant stakeholders in the industry to enforce building codes across the country in close collaboration with the states.

The Minister explained, that relevant agencies should ensure that due diligence was observed in the issuance of building permit and find out if all approvals were given for all categories of buildings, adding, if any infraction was found in the process appropriate penalty must be taken

He expressed condolences to the families of those whose lives were lost by the unfortunate tragedy and prayed for quick recovery for those hospitalized.