Ewaen: Corruption, Non-adherence to Approved Building Plans, Others Fuel Building Collapse

Bennett Oghifo

A professor of Engineering, Ikponmwosa Efe Ewaen has listed corruption, and other avoidable situations as responsible for the collapse of buildings in the country.

Ewaen is a Professor of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos.

He stated this in his lecture, ‘Civil/Structural Engineers and the Burden of Infrastructure Collapses in Nigeria’, during the investiture of Engr. Johnson Adegboyega Adeyoye, as the 22nd president of the NIStructE, recently.

He said the causes of building collapse in the country are, but not limited to: “Defective Designs, Defective Construction, Use of Substandard/poor quality Materials, Absence

of Building or Planning Permit, Corruption, Non-adherence to approved Building plans,

Absence of proper site and soil (geotechnical) investigation reports, Engagement of

inexperienced personnel to take charge of design and construction works, Engagement of ill-equipped and incompetent contractors, lack of proper supervision, inspection and monitoring of construction works, illegal conversion, alterations and additions to existing structures and lastly, undue interference of clients on building works, non-compliance with existing development regulations, poor or non-availability of design instruments, hasty construction, processes, among others.”

He presented data on collapses in Nigeria in the past two and half decades, stating that “between 1974 and 2005, there were 114 reported cases and 68.4% of these occurred around Lagos and the city accounted for 45% of total lives lost. “Evidence from various government agencies and a review of literature revealed that between 1974 and 2019. over 221 buildings collapsed across Nigeria, and more than 50% of this occurred in Lagos. Facts further indicate that “Lagos experienced 167 reported cases between 2000 and 2021. 78.4% were residential buildings, 12.8% were commercial buildings, and 8.8% were institutional buildings.”

He said virtually all the collapsed buildings were constructed with concrete, or they partially had structural concrete elements.

Ewaen strongly advocates for knowledge of the materials to be used in construction by structural/civil engineers “as we bear the burden of these infrastructure collapses in the country. “Furthermore, matters relating to QC & OA at all levels of project execution are part of the burden of Engineers. Failure to play a leading role on matters relating QC&QA could result in grave consequences.”

The lecturer spoke briefly on strength and quality of concrete which are dependent on the mixing proportions, as well as the qualities of the parent materials. The importance of water in concrete was also  discussed.

To improve on the events of collapses, he suggested measures that could be taken

government and regulatory agencies with strong inputs of civil/structural Engineers.

In his speech, the immediate past President of the, Engr. Peter Osarodion Igbinejesu, emphasised the pivotal role Structural Engineers play.

Igbinejesu said, “The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers plays a crucial role in shaping the infrastructure and building landscape of our nation. As structural engineers, we are tasked with ensuring the safety, sustainability, and innovation of our built

environment. It is a responsibility that we take seriously, and one that requires collaboration, excellence, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to our President Engr. Johnson A Adeyoye, as

he assumes the mantle of leadership. Your dedication, expertise and passion for

advancing the field of structural engineering are commendable, and I have full

confidence in your ability to lead our institution to greater heights.

“To our new President, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and unwavering support

Your vision, leadership, and dedication will undoubtedly inspire us all to reach

milestones and make a lasting impact in the field of structural engineering,

“As we embark on this new chapter under the leadership of Engr. Johnson A. Adeyoye

I urge all members to rally behind him, support his vision, and contribute your expertise towards the advancement of our profession. Together, we can overcome challenges, drive innovation, and make significant contributions to the development of our nation.

“I have no doubt that under Engr. Johnson A. Adeyoye’s leadership, the Nigerian

Institution of Structural Engineers will continue to thrive, evolve and make a lasting

impact in the field of structural engineering.

I have every confidence that with your guidance, the Nigerian Institution of Structural

Engineers will flourish and continue to be a beacon of excellence in the engineering

Family.”