By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA — An indigenous construction and real estate development company, Sliding Towers Global Limited, has attributed the frequent cases of building collapse in Nigeria to the use of substandard materials, poor workmanship and inadequate supervision.

The company warned builders and property developers against cutting corners in an attempt to reduce construction costs, saying the practice could result in structural defects, costly repairs and, in severe cases, loss of lives and property.

In a statement, Sliding Towers said the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s construction sector had increased the temptation among some developers and contractors to prioritise speed and low costs over quality and compliance with building standards.

It said the consequences often became evident in cracked walls, sagging roofs and other structural defects, with some cases eventually resulting in building collapse.

According to the company, the use of substandard reinforcement rods, poorly processed sand and under-strength concrete could compromise the structural integrity of buildings.

“Reinforcement rods sold below gauge weigh less and cost less per length. Sand dredged without proper screening is cheaper than sand that’s been washed and graded,” it said.

Sliding Towers warned that the apparent savings from using cheaper materials could ultimately prove more expensive through repairs, legal liabilities and, in the worst cases, loss of lives and property.

The company also identified poor workmanship as another major risk, saying even certified construction materials could fail if they were improperly handled or installed.

It cited inadequate concrete mixing ratios, failure to allow concrete to cure properly and incorrect reinforcement spacing as examples of practices that could weaken structures.

“It’s not just what you buy; it’s who you hire,” the company said, stressing the importance of engaging qualified artisans, engineers and other professionals throughout the construction process.

It said a shortage of skilled tradesmen and pressure to reduce costs could lead some developers to engage cheaper and less-qualified workers, while compressed construction schedules could further compromise workmanship.

According to Sliding Towers, poor construction practices may not become immediately apparent, but could manifest years later through cracks, moisture damage and other structural defects.

The company also pointed to the importance of site supervision, saying specifications contained in architectural and structural drawings would be ineffective if contractors and supervisors failed to ensure that the materials and workmanship on site conformed to them.

Enforcement remains a challenge

Sliding Towers said the National Building Code, introduced in 2006, provides requirements covering building materials, structural design, site supervision and the competence of personnel involved in construction.

It added that state planning authorities impose additional requirements relating to zoning, approvals and other aspects of building development.

The company, however, said enforcement remained a major challenge.

“The problem in practice is enforcement, not the absence of rules,” it said.

It explained that a Bill of Quantities could specify a particular grade of concrete or reinforcement diameter, but the specification would have little value if nobody verified that the materials delivered to the site met the required standards.

Sliding Towers said its experience working on Bills of Quantities and remedial works estimates for clients had shown instances where the original designs were adequate but the completed structures deviated from the specifications during construction.

It urged clients and developers to pay greater attention to quantity surveying, documentation and quality control before and during construction.

According to the company, a properly prepared Bill of Quantities does more than provide a cost estimate, as it also establishes measurable standards against which materials delivered and work executed can be assessed.

Sliding Towers said Nigeria’s construction industry would continue to expand due to population growth, urbanisation and government infrastructure programmes.

It therefore urged stakeholders to ensure that the country’s construction boom was anchored on standards capable of guaranteeing the safety and durability of buildings.

The company said preventing construction failures would not only protect individual property owners but also help restore public confidence in developers, contractors and professionals in the built environment.

It stressed that Nigeria’s growing need for housing, commercial buildings and public infrastructure should be matched by stronger adherence to construction standards and effective enforcement.