Causes and Solutions to Building Collapse in Contemporary Nigerian Society

Abstract

Building collapse remains a recurrent tragedy in Nigeria, resulting in substantial loss of life, economic hardship, and erosion of public confidence in the built environment. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted causes of structural failures in Nigerian construction, including deficiencies in regulatory frameworks, corruption, inadequate professional competence, substandard materials, rapid urbanization, and insufficient maintenance practices. Drawing upon peer reviewed literature, governmental reports, and case study analyses, the study identifies systemic gaps and proposes an integrated suite of solutions: strengthening building codes and enforcement mechanisms, fostering a culture of professional ethics, enhancing capacity building for engineers and contractors, promoting the adoption of modern construction technologies, and encouraging community participation in monitoring. The discussion highlights the necessity of coordinated action among government agencies, professional bodies, industry stakeholders, and civil society to mitigate collapse risks and promote resilient, sustainable development in Nigeria.