Engineers link structural failures to use of non-professionals in projects

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has blamed increasing cases of building collapse on the use of non-professionals in construction across the country.

NSE President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, disclosed that the society’s engineering regulation and management body, as well as the failure analysis and investigation committee, have commenced project sites’ inspection to ensure that only qualified professionals supervise construction work.

According to recent reports, Nigeria has experienced over 135 building collapse incidents and at least 26 deaths since 2022. As of 2024, there have been over 17 recorded building collapse incidents across the country, with Lagos having more than five incidents, Anambra having three, and Kano, Niger, and Plateau having one each.

Investigations by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) also attributed excessive loading, use of substandard materials, faulty design, poor workmanship, and weak foundation, contributing significantly to the collapses.

Oguntala told journalists in Lagos that the society is collaborating with the Council for Regulation of Engineering (COREN), which has set up states’ technical committees to drive the committees at the state and national level, stressing that over the years, no engineer has been culpable in building collapse cases.

She encouraged professionals to practice ethically, as they are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the highest ethical standards in their work. According to her, integrity is the bedrock of
public trust, warning that it is incumbent upon them to maintain trust by adhering to ethical principles, while professional bodies must play a pivotal role in enforcing and promoting these standards.

To her, continuous professional development is a necessity and lifeline that keeps practitioners relevant and competitive, hence, investment in ongoing education and skills development ensures that … members are equipped to meet the demands of an ever-evolving global landscape.

Oguntala charged engineers to share resources and best practices across professions, foster a culture
of learning and innovation that benefits not only members but also the nation.

On engagement of budding engineers and mentorship, she acknowledged that the future of the profession lies in the hands of the younger generation, hence, a responsibility of senior practitioners to mentor and guide them, ensuring that they are well prepared to take on leadership roles.

She said: “We have the Young Engineers’ forum of Nigeria under the NSE where we mentor, guide engineers and plan to train about 6,000 young engineers on emerging trends and technology to build their skills towards the country’s development.

Youth engagement is not just about passing on knowledge; it is about inspiring the next generation to strive for excellence and innovation. I propose that we establish collaborative programmes that nurture young professionals, providing them with the skills, opportunities, and networks they need to succeed.

By investing in our youth, we are securing the future of our professions and our nation. The complex challenges confronting our country, ranging from infrastructure deficits to economic instability demand solutions that no single profession can provide on its own.

“By fostering inter-professional collaboration, we can combine our strengths to achieve remarkable outcomes. History has shown us that when we work together, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Let us, therefore, continue to build bridges across our professions, and create synergies that drive national development.”

She disclosed that the NSE is facilitating and supporting members who seek opportunities abroad, since it cannot halt the ‘JAPA’ syndrome, but has embraced the concept of ‘JAPA’ to mean: ‘Jet Abroad, Professionally Advance.’

“Our diaspora branches are dedicated to integrating these professionals seamlessly into their networks. I encourage all of us to champion the resilient Nigerian spirit wherever we go and promote
our nation’s expertise with pride,” Oguntala said.