Poor sandcrete quality at heart of Nigeria’s building collapse crisis, Guild warns

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Ayobo-Ipaja Cell in Lagos State has called for the adoption of quality sandcrete blocks as a key preventive measure to address the recurring issue of building collapses in Nigeria.

The Guild recently convened a workshop titled “Maintaining the Quality of Sandcrete Blocks in an Environment of Volatile Production Costs,” bringing together block manufacturers, industry regulators, and stakeholders to tackle the challenges of maintaining block quality amidst rising production costs.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Olayinka Abdul, stressed the importance of monitoring and enforcing quality standards.

She highlighted that the LSMTL serves as a technical advisor to builders and producers, providing guidance on material selection and cost-effective manufacturing processes to uphold quality.

“This synergy is crucial to preventing building collapses at the early stages, which is far less expensive than managing crises,” Abdul said.

“The challenges in our industry reflect a critical juncture where we must reaffirm our commitment not only to quality but also to the safety and integrity of the structures we build. Sandcrete blocks remain vital to our industry, and we must explore sustainable materials to enhance durability while maintaining affordability.”

Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, represented by Head, Cement Testing SON, Lagos, Mrs Jemila Yushau, said the BCPG has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and properties through grassroots advocacy for safe and sustainable building practices in Nigeria.

The DG commended the Guild’s dedication to tackling the pressing challenges facing the construction industry, especially focusing on quality standards for sandcrete blocks in today’s economic environment.

Dr Okeke restated the enforcement of SON for comprehensive standards for sandcrete blocks, ensuring that sandcrete blocks are safe and fit for purposes.

He also called for collaboration with industry stakeholders to promote awareness, monitor compliance and provide support.

Also speaking at the event, chairman of Lagos State of Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Faith Oko-Ukoni warned against compromising standards.

“The building collapses we see today are a result of such compromises. We must make a conscious effort to produce blocks that meet the right standards,” she said.

She added that the quality of sandcrete blocks can vary depending on the production method and the properties of the materials used.

The workshop also highlighted enforcement challenges faced by regulators.

The National President of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON), Prince Adesegun Bamijoko noted that SON and LSMTL lack sufficient staff to effectively monitor block manufacturers.

To address these challenges, he said NABMON has established a global-standard website to register qualified members, complete with identity cards and QR codes.

“We urge regulatory bodies to collaborate with us in prosecuting unqualified manufacturers producing substandard blocks,” the NABMON president said.

The Guild and industry stakeholders agreed that stringent quality control and collaboration between regulators and manufacturers are essential to ensuring public safety and preventing structural failures in the construction industry.