At a recent webinar hosted by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Ikeja Cell, Dr. Shehu Abubakar a chief lecturer in Building Technology at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida highlighted several early structural warning signs that owners and residents must not ignore. He stressed that the emergence of cracks in walls, beams or columns often signals progressive failure, reduced load-bearing capacity, and potential collapse.
Dr. Abubakar drew attention to more serious concerns such as uneven settlement or leaning, exposed and corroded steel reinforcement, popping or creaking noises, and sagging roofs, all of which may point to deeper structural instability. Equally, he warned that so-called non-structural issues persistent damp or water leakage, peeling paint with mould, and doors or windows failing to close properly can mask hidden dangers caused by plumbing failure, poor drainage, foundation shifts, adhesive failure, and inadequate ventilation.
To counter these risks, Dr. Abubakar called for stricter oversight of material quality urging the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and state agencies to monitor production standards and for engineers and architects to maintain responsibility through robust design and ongoing supervision.
He also recommended the use of advanced detection methods, including non-destructive testing, drone surveillance, thermal imaging, real-time building-monitoring systems, and AI‑powered predictive maintenance tools. Additional suggestions included creep testing, bacterial encapsulations in concrete, and the integration of meteorological data to improve resilience .
Dr. Abubakar believes that combating building collapse demands a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. He urged contractors to use quality materials and adhere strictly to specifications; urged clients to avoid unauthorized changes and to ensure ongoing maintenance; and called on planners and regulators to enforce setbacks especially near waterways and to crack down on quack builders.
His recommendations included mandatory periodic structural audits for public and high-rise buildings, use of certified builders, and insurance-backed structural integrity certification. He also proposed mobile apps for public reporting of visible distress, stronger enforcement of building codes at state and local levels, and improved training for professionals and artisans .
Joining him was Dr. Gbolahan Oyelakin, coordinator of the BCPG Ikeja Cell, who emphasized that early intervention is vital. He recalled the continual rise in building collapses across Nigeria and insisted that once structural warning signs are identified, swift corrective measures are essential: “When buildings begin to fail and if we don’t give attention to corrective measures … it degenerates into collapse.” Dr. Oyelakin stressed that this webinar is part of a broader advocacy campaign aimed at halting preventable structural failures.
In sum, experts warn that by combining vigilance, technology, materials accountability, regulatory enforcement, and collective responsibility, Nigeria can dramatically reduce the ongoing tragedy of building collapses and safeguard lives.
