On Wednesday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) met with building professionals, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to address the problems of building collapse, undeveloped plots and abandoned structures.

Addressing journalists after the meeting in Abuja, FCTA director Mukhtar Galadima expressed the agency’s concern over substandard structures and the spate of building collapses in Abuja.

Mr Galadima explained that the meeting was to exchange views on how to stop the menace of building collapse in Abuja. According to him, working with experts outside FCTA would help strengthen supervision to ensure that only quality projects are delivered in the FCT.

“As a responsible agency, we have to be proactive in addressing the cases of building collapse. We have to work with professional bodies and regulating agencies. The meeting will help us to constitute a committee that will be making suggestions on tackling the menace of building collapse and substandard structures,” the FCTA official explained.

The official added, “We are going to engage with professionals and regulatory bodies continuously to discuss technical issues and strengthen supervision of building projects. This will help us to share responsibilities on how to ensure quality and safe buildings in the Abuja city.”

Mr Galadima disclosed that the committee, which will soon be constituted, will also examine issues surrounding abandoned structures and undeveloped plots and come up with solutions.

Cyril Nwafor of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) urged the National Assembly to implement the council’s recommendations submitted in 2010.

He listed the recommendations to include the involvement of only registered professionals in handling projects and the discipline of those behind failed projects.

Other professional bodies at the meeting included the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), among others. 

(NAN)