The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Dola Arilesere has warned Nigerians to expect more cases of collapsed buildings in the country.
"Without being cynical, more collapse of buildings should be expected," he said in response to a question on the recent collapse of a four-storey building at Idi-Araba.
"About two weeks ago, when the NIOB was having a national seminar at Abuja on the need for the building public to adhere to sections 64 and 65 of the Insurance Act, the collapse at Idi-Araba happened," Mr. Arilesere said.
Those sections of the Insurance Act deal with the insurance of public buildings and buildings under construction that are more than two storeys. According to Mr. Arilesere the policies have been greatly neglected and the collapse at Idi-Araba was just another pointer.
His words: "Lagos and Port Harcourt are the two worst places facing the likelihood of collapse of buildings; and more buildings are coming down. This is because things are not done accordingly in those states.
"In Lagos state, the most affected parts are Lagos Island, Ebute Metta, and some parts of Surulere, The NIOB members have resolved not to feel sorry or pity anybody again. For over 10 years, the institute has been ‘shouting' and creating awareness to both the people and the government but nobody seems to be paying attention," he said.
According to him, the Lagos state government is trying to make things work by making sure that only professionals are involved when construction work is being undertaken.
Demonstrating the efforts of the state government, 576 construction sites in Lagos were published and owners of such properties were instructed to come for necessary approval.
Mr. Arilesere revealed that from this point on, it will be difficult for anyone to embark on construction work without the involvement of professionals.
"There is now an MoU between the professional builders and insurers, which will make it difficult for anyone to boycott them. This is particularly made possible by the strict monitoring and compliance from the state government," Mr. Arilesere said.
He added that an aggressive campaign is now on, in collaboration with the relevant government agencies to better enlighten the public.
"That is the only way out of the present predicament," he said.