The Real Estate Developers Association has called for strict enforcement of the National Building Code.

REDAN’s president, Akintoye Adeoye, made the call in Abuja during the International Real Estate Conference and Exhibition.

Mr Adeoye stressed the need for clear accountability for negligence and for the government to ensure that parties behind collapsed buildings are penalised to prevent future incidents.

“The need for strict enforcement of the National Building Code, along with clear accountability for negligence, is paramount. We must ensure that responsible parties are penalised, setting a strong deterrent against future incidents.

“The value of human life must be reflected in our construction standards, and proper insurance coverage must be mandated to protect workers and property.

“Nigeria can take cues from other countries that have successfully minimised building collapses by enforcing stricter laws, updating building codes and imposing public penalties on violators,” he said.

Mr Adeoye also called for establishing the Real Estate Regulatory Council of Nigeria to oversee the industry, hold developers accountable, and curb building collapse.

”With the ongoing challenges in providing safe, affordable housing, adopting international best standards and practices will ensure the safety and trustworthiness of the real estate industry,” he said.

Mr Adeoye also said there was a need to develop local solutions that included mandatory insurance for public buildings and stronger oversight of construction materials.

He urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to intensify its regulatory oversight and address the influx of substandard building materials in the market.

The REDAN president explained that the economic implications were significant, potentially driving up costs for insurance, repairs and replacements.

Mr Adeoye said that investment in research and development was critical to advancing construction technologies and materials. He added that local institutions would also spearhead innovations, thereby reducing dependency on imports and creating a stronger market for locally produced building materials.

Ajayi Franklin, the CEO of Sim and Lloyd, said the theme for the third edition of IRECE is to explore the future of real estate and examine trends, challenges and opportunities that would define the industry’s trajectory.

The vice-president of REDAN North Central, Osilama Osilama, said people should not be allowed to construct buildings without proper approval and oversight.

Mr Osilama said that, despite having an existing national building code, enforcement had been weak, leaving room for substandard practices and materials to flood the construction market.

He said this should be tackled head-on through comprehensive measures to reform the building industry and ensure that only certified professionals should manage construction projects.

The chairperson of REDAN, FCT chapter, Okoruwa Ehikioya, said that corruption was responsible for the collapse of the building in Nigeria.

Mr Ehikioya attributed the major cause of the building collapse to the involvement of unqualified individuals who cut corners, used substandard materials, and ignored safety standards.

Mr Ehikioya said addressing this trend demanded stringent measures to hold people culpable.

(NAN)