Dangiwa's Proposal to Prosecute Building Collapse Perpetrators: A Welcome Policy Initiative

By Wilson Macaulay

Building collapses in Nigeria have become an all-too-common and devastating occurrence, leading to significant loss of life, damage to property, and a diminishing of public trust in the construction industry. In a decisive move to address this ongoing issue, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has introduced a stringent policy aimed at prosecuting those responsible for such disasters. Announced during a review meeting with the ministry’s Building Collapse Committee and other regulatory bodies, this initiative represents a major step towards enhancing accountability and safety within Nigeria's construction sector.

 Minister's Initiative

Minister Dangiwa's proposal underscores the need for comprehensive investigations and legal action against individuals found responsible for building collapses. To facilitate this, he has tasked the ministry’s Building Collapse Committee with developing a detailed checklist to identify all professionals involved in the construction process. This checklist is designed to streamline investigations and accurately pinpoint accountability.

“You must develop a checklist for inspecting and assessing building collapses, including a section to assign blame where it is due,” Dangiwa instructed the committee.

The proposed checklist will focus on critical aspects such as design quality, concrete standards, slump and soil tests, and the qualifications of the involved professionals. This thorough approach aims to detect issues at any stage—design, certification, approval, or supervision.

Ensuring Accountability

Once finalized, the checklist will be presented to the National Council on Housing for widespread adoption and implementation. Dangiwa has called on regulatory bodies to contribute their input to the checklist, ensuring a collaborative effort to establish a robust framework for accountability and quality control in the construction industry.

The minister’s proactive approach demonstrates his commitment to addressing the persistent issue of building collapses. He stated, “In the event of a building collapse, our checklist will be used immediately to identify and document the issues, allowing us to pinpoint the culprits with concrete evidence.”

Committee Recommendations

The Building Collapse Committee has also proposed twelve recommendations, including the reconstitution of the National Building Code Advisory Committee, reviewing the Acts governing ARCON, CORBON, and TOPREC to combat quackery, and enforcing punitive measures for professional negligence. These recommendations aim to strengthen the regulatory environment and prevent future collapses.

Minister Dangiwa’s strategic move signifies his determination to make a lasting impact in his role. The involvement of regulatory and training bodies, such as COREN, CORBON, TOPREC, ARCON, NIESV, and NIA, highlights a collective effort to ensure compliance with construction standards and improve training for artisans and technicians.

Conclusion

The proposal to prosecute those responsible for building collapses is a crucial policy shift that addresses a longstanding issue in Nigeria’s construction industry. By establishing a comprehensive checklist and implementing rigorous quality control measures, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, under Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, aims to create a safer and more accountable construction environment. This initiative is a welcome development that promises to restore public confidence and protect lives and property across Nigeria. We commend Minister Dangiwa for his unwavering commitment to this vital cause.

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