CORBON deploys new tools to curb building collapse

To curtail incessant building collapse in the country, the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has instituted instruments to ensure builders comply with the law, national building code and adopts international best practices.

The Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Samson Opaluwa, who stated this at the 22nd induction ceremony of 373 newly registered builders in Abuja stated that each registered builder will be given four basic tools of practice.

He highlighted the tools to include programme of work, construction methodology, project quality monitoring plan and the project health and safety management plan, saying the state authorities have been instructed not to approve any project site until the builder has provided the basic tools.

Opaluwa said: “We are insisting that building sites follow best practices in accordance with global practices, which is what the tools are going to do. Before giving approvals for any construction the builder must provide the basic tools, as we are not giving room for any builder to mismanage any site.

He noted that building collapse occurs as a result of poor management of building processes and substandard work arising from usage of poor quality building materials.

To further curb building collapse, the Council launched its Project Evaluation and Monitoring Unit (PEMU) and tasked members to monitor construction activities across the country.

According to Opaluwah, building collapse could be prevented if builders are employed to manage construction sites, control usage and quality of building materials, manpower, machinery and finance.

The induction of 373 builders is the highest single induction by the council since its inception. He said the induction is another step to enforce building construction management standards in Nigeria.

Speaking further, the chairman charged all inductees to uphold the principles and code of practice of the building profession, adding that its time to change the narrative of building failures by providing qualitative work output.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Hadi Ahmad, said the incidents of building collapse has become a concern as it causes loss for those affected.

He said, “This event presents the right platform for us to address the recurring issues of building collapse. Building collapse has psychological effect on those affected.

“There has been loss of lives, loss of investment and shelter.Builders must adhere strictly to code of conduct and existing laws in the country.”

The National Building Code (NBC) sets minimum standard for building pre- design, construction and post construction stages with a view to ensuring quality, safety and proficiency in the Nigerian building industry.

Citing section 13.12.4 of the NBC, Ahmad said that it is imperative that registered builders carry out the management and execution of building works, including supervision of artisans and tradesmen.

In his remark, Registrar & Council Secretary, Tunji Adeniran, urged builders to stay at the cutting edge of competence, if they must keep up to date with development in the industry.