The recently appointed Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, emphasized that structural defects in building designs are a significant cause of building collapses within the state.
He shared this insight during the 32nd builders conference organized by the Nigerian Institute of Building, which revolved around the theme of “Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management in Nigeria.”
Dr. Olumide pointed out that one of the recurring challenges faced with many building contractors pertains to the quality of architectural drawings.
In particular, he highlighted issues with detail errors in these designs.
He stressed the importance of builders ensuring the durability and safety of their constructions by conducting essential tests at various stages of building.
He urged his fellow professionals to exercise caution when considering designs from clients to protect their long-term reputations.
Additionally, the Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Godfrey, underscored that inadequate structural calculations can lead to building collapses.
He emphasized the necessity of adhering to precise calculations for structural elements.
He used the example of a 21-storey building collapse in Ikoyi, Lagos State, where structural errors ultimately led to the demolition of three other standing buildings due to insufficient load-bearing capacity.
Moreover, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oladipo Okpeseyi, discussed the implied duty of care that builders owe to their clients and third parties. He highlighted the responsibility of builders in ensuring the integrity and safety of their constructions.
He suggested that builders should engage competent professionals and draw upon their experience to guarantee the quality of their work.
Okpeseyi also brought attention to the findings of the Corona’s Inquest, which indicated that the collapse of the 21-storey building in Gerard Road, Ikoyi, was due to negligence by agencies responsible for approval and supervision.
He argued that the collapse was primarily a result of human factors within the project management schedule rather than just structural issues.
In conclusion, the discussions at the conference revealed the critical importance of rigorous building design, testing, and adherence to safety standards to prevent building collapses and protect the interests of builders, clients, and the public.
