House of Reps Orders Crackdown on Substandard Building Materials Amid Rising Collapses
The resolution was passed on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Billy Osawaru, a lawmaker representing Edo State. Osawaru highlighted the devastating impact of faulty construction materials, poor building practices, and lax enforcement of building regulations.
Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Osawaru revealed that Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024. Lagos State accounted for a staggering 56 percent of these incidents, followed by Abuja at 4.37 percent.
“The constant issue of substandard materials has sent numerous lives to their early grave,” Osawaru stated. “It is regrettable that at least three buildings have already collapsed in different states in January 2025 alone, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.”
The lawmaker criticized SON for its perceived inaction, stating that the agency has failed to enforce quality control measures effectively. He noted that substandard materials and cheap labor contribute to about 53 percent of building collapses in Nigeria, with private residential buildings being the most affected.
Adding to concerns, Osawaru alleged that SON had reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies implicated in the production and distribution of substandard materials, particularly iron rod manufacturers. He claimed that the reversal—reportedly influenced by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment—has fueled skepticism about the government’s commitment to upholding construction standards.
Following a voice vote led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House adopted the motion and directed its Committees on Industry and Trade to investigate the allegations against SON. The committees are expected to report back within four weeks with their findings and recommendations for further legislative action.
