By Ezra Ukanwa

ABUJA—THE Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, on Tuesday, said the reason for the incessant collapse of buildings in parts of the country is as a result of engagement of non-professionals who have no capacity in project delivery.

The Council, however, blamed Development Control Officers for largely contributing to the collapse of buildings in Nigeria, adding that non verification of building design, substandard materials, non legislation and enforcement of national building code by the national assembly, among others, formed reasons for building collapse in the country.

He, however, advised for a need to advance strict enforcement and compliance of the approved national building code by the national assembly.

The President of the council, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu when briefed journalists after a meeting with Presidents of some regulatory and professional bodies in the built environment, in Abuja.

He said: “There is a need for a Law/Act on Enforcement & Compliance of the approved National Building Code by the National Assembly. This must be strictly complied with in the built environment.

“All state governments are advised to domesticate the codes. The Forum of Regulatory Bodies in the Built Environment (FORBEN) should drive the bill.

“For implementation and Enforcement, it is recommended that the government should set up a construction court to handle cases of misconduct.

“Education of the populace is necessary. Advocacy, Enlightenment of the Public and continuous engagement of Government should be pursued particularly by associations in the built environment.

“There is unjustifiable over-concentration on the training of high-level manpower without an emphasis on the lower level, hence we must make concerted efforts to substantially increase the production of qualified Craftsmen, skilled workers. technician etc through the resuscitation and establishment of Crafts Technical Schools across the country.

“The professionals in the built environment must work together. There should be respect for the responsibility of each professional while working together. It is recommended that Professionals must practice in their areas of core competence and experience, to avoid delving into other areas which is tantamount to quackery.