AN EXAMINATION OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF BUILDING COLLAPSE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The research investigated the causes and consequence of building collapse in Nigeria using historical
data from 1974 to 2006 and also proffers appropriate solutions. Relevant books, seminar papers,
workshop papers, articles, etc. were reviewed so as to examine the general view of individuals that
have worked on similar study. Data for the study were obtained through historical data of past
building collapse in Nigeria. The data were presented and analysed using tables, bar graphs, Pearson
moment correlation coefficient (r) and linear regression analysis to generate a model. Sixty (60)
buildings that collapsed in the country were gathered, upon which the analysis was carried out. The
study revealed that poor maintenance culture, design error, poor quality of materials and workmanship,
natural phenomenon and excessive loading contributed to about 7%, 15%, 52%, 7% and 20% respectively
of building collapse in Nigeria with most of them being private residential buildings executed by
indigenous contractors. The study finally recommended that Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
should increase their effort in sanitizing building materials in the market. More so, construction
professionals should ensure proper supervision of workmen and efficient checking of materials before
incorporation into building works.
Keywords: Building Collapse, Nigeria, Historical