The House of Representatives has queried the Committees on Works, Environment, Housing, and Safety Standards, on the frequent collapse of buildings in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas made this query on Wednesday, during the House plenary session, and directed the Committee to investigate the frequent incidents of building collapse in Nigeria.
The resolution was a sequel to the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to Investigate the Menace of Incessant Building Collapse in Nigeria,’ sponsored by the member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Aderemi Oseni.
During its plenary, the House also noted that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect citizens’ lives and property, adding that the recurring building collapse cases in major Nigerian cities have become a significant concern.
The speaker stated, “If nothing is done to urgently combat this emergency, more lives and property will be lost and destroyed, leading to a devastating impact on communities and the economy.
“The House is aware that the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria and other professional associations involved in building-related issues are tasked with enforcing regulations and controlling the engineering profession in order to prevent established industry best practices from being compromised.”
Following the adoption of the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary session, mandated the Committee on Works to ascertain the causes of the incessant building collapses and proffer lasting solutions to curb the menace and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
He maintained that the building collapse in the country must be brought to the barest minimum.
