The Niger State Chapter of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has called for strengthened building standards and proactive infrastructure inspections to avert future structural collapses across Nigeria.
This appeal followed the group’s recent assessment of the catastrophic flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, which resulted in extensive devastation. In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Nasir Illo; General Secretary, Ibrahim Shittu; and Public Relations Officer, Sheshi Mohammed Raba, the guild highlighted significant damage to infrastructure and the profound loss of life. “The level of destruction we witnessed in Mokwa is heart-wrenching and demands our immediate attention,” the statement read.
Over 580 buildings, mostly mud houses, were destroyed in the flooding. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 161 lives were lost as a result of the disaster. Preliminary investigations by BCPG indicated that intense rainfall, as reported by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the collapse of a railway embankment contributed significantly to the tragedy.
“Unfortunately, the excessive water was reportedly impounded by a railway track dyke, which gave way under pressure, unleashing a high-velocity flood that swept through homes, culverts, and roads,” the group stated.
The floodwaters from Mokwa discharged into River Niger through the tributary River Dingi, with the backflow exacerbating the impact.The guild has urged the Federal and Niger State Governments to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and begin full-scale rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities. It also called on the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to conduct a technical review and reinforcement of railway infrastructure, particularly dykes and culverts, to prevent future disasters.
Highlighting the need for resilience in flood-prone areas, BCPG called for updated building regulations to prioritise durable materials, effective drainage systems, and safer siting. It further recommended that environmental and hydrological agencies conduct detailed studies and implement robust early warning systems and emergency responses.
“Design standards should reflect the realities of extreme weather patterns and changing environmental conditions,” emphasising the need for proactive measures.
The guild identified weaknesses in land-use planning and disaster preparedness as contributing factors to the scale of the disaster. It advised state planning authorities to enforce regulations that prevent construction in vulnerable zones and ensure sustainable land management.
“State and local governments should enhance their disaster response mechanisms through well-defined operational protocols, capacity building, and dedicated funding,” it added.
During its assessment, the guild used non-destructive testing equipment to evaluate the compressive strength of culverts and associated structures. It noted that post-disaster technical evaluations should become institutionalised as part of Nigeria’s disaster risk management framework.
The BCPG also emphasised the importance of policy reforms and capacity building to integrate climate adaptation strategies into infrastructure development and emergency response planning.
Earlier in the visit, the group paid courtesy calls to the Ndalile of Mokwa, His Royal Highness Lile Shaba Aliyu, and Mokwa Local Council Chairman, Jubril Muregi, to express condolences and provide technical advice.
Expressing its commitment to preventing future disasters, the guild stated, “We are capitalising on our diverse experiences to prepare a detailed technical advisory report for relevant ministries. We will continue to monitor the recovery process and offer professional support as needed.” The group extended condolences to the affected families and assured the people of Mokwa of its solidarity during this challenging time.
