…as Ekiti Builders hold 2026 Workshop on Structural Failure Prevention
Adebayo Adenrele
A former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, has called on Ekiti State Government to establish a dedicated Building Control Agency as part of measures to prevent cases of building collapse in the state.
Eleka made the call in Ado-Ekiti during the 2026 Workshop organised by the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB), Ekiti State Chapter themed: “The Builders’ Role in Structural Failure Prevention: From Foundation to Finishes”.
Speaking on policies that could avert building collapse, the former deputy governor said the National Building Code must be domesticated by Ekiti government for direct implementation and enforcement.
According to him, the specialised Building Control Agency that would oversee construction activities, ensure regular inspections and enforce compliance with building regulations.
He explained that most building collapses recorded across Nigeria are construction-related and are often caused by deficiencies in building production management.
He lamented that many construction projects are carried out without adequate government supervision, noting that registered professionals are not consistently engaged to monitor projects and ensure compliance with standard code provisions.
Eleka also advised builders in the state to remain ethical and professional in the discharge of their duties, stressing that builders occupy a critical position in building technology and construction management.
His words, “We are already aware of the existence of a National Building Code. However, this code needs to be domesticated at the various state levels so that it can be directly applied.
“The code is essentially about building control. There is a difference between building control and planning control. What we currently have in most states is planning and development control, but there is a need for a dedicated Building Control Agency. There is also a need for regular building inspections and monitoring of construction activities while projects are ongoing and this is currently lacking.
“Most of the building collapses taking place in Nigeria today are construction-related collapses. These are linked to deficiencies in building production management. That is why the establishment of a Building Control Agency is necessary. Compliance with regulatory provisions would become a key factor under such an arrangement.
“Today, many people construct buildings without proper government supervision. There are no adequate government agencies inspecting and monitoring activities on construction sites. Registered professionals are not consistently engaged to examine and assess projects to ensure compliance with existing code provisions.
‘Interestingly, Lagos State has made significant progress in this regard. Lagos now has a Building Control Agency and has established a building and construction code, alongside a Building Production Management Agency. I believe Ekiti State can learn from this model.
“Thankfully, Ekiti State has not experienced many cases of building collapse, but we should not wait until such incidents become rampant before taking proactive steps”.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Building, Adebiyi Adeniyi, said the workshop was organised to equip members with modern information, technology and knowledge, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), to improve professionalism in construction practice.
Adeniyi said the institute also seeks to ensure that builders contribute meaningfully to construction activities across the state through proper documentation and adherence to standard procedures.
He urged the state government to make the engagement of registered builders compulsory in every construction project, noting that qualified builders possess expertise in building production management, facility maintenance and project quality management.
According to him, the use of qualified professionals would significantly reduce incidences of structural failure and building collapse.
“The purpose of this workshop is to equip our members with information, technology, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and knowledge on how to prepare builders’ documents in construction.
“We also aim to ensure that builders contribute meaningfully to construction activities within the state.
“As we have consistently advocated, we want the government to ensure that registered builders are engaged in every construction project in Ekiti State.
“This will help discourage building collapse because builders are specifically equipped in areas such as building production management, facility management, facility maintenance and preparation of builders’ documents”. He added
Also speaking, the Chairman of the College of Fellows of the Institute, Sunday Ojambati, disclosed that the association already operates a Building Collapse Guide in Ekiti State to help monitor and prevent structural failures.
Ojambati said members across the state are regularly encouraged to report structural defects or signs of possible collapse for immediate intervention.
He charged members of the institute to maintain high professional competence and intensify efforts against quackery in the building industry.
In his remarks, former Executive Chairman of the Institute in Ekiti State, Joseph Ayodeji Ajayi, described building collapse as a growing national concern.
Ajayi attributed many incidents of collapse to the engagement of unqualified individuals as site supervisors and reiterated the need for only trained professionals to handle construction projects.
He maintained that when properly qualified experts are engaged on building sites, cases of structural failure could either be eliminated or drastically reduced.
Other highpoint of the workshop was the investiture of the 8-man State Executives chaired by Adebiyi to oversee the affairs of the chapter in the next few years.
