Civil Engineers Step Up Campaign Against Quackery Following Repeated Building Collapses in Anambra
The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) has intensified its advocacy against quackery and the use of substandard materials in the construction industry following a series of building collapses in Anambra State. The professional body is calling for a more rigorous enforcement of engineering standards and institutional oversight to safeguard lives and investments within the state's built environment.
Institutional Response to Structural Failures
Concerned by the increasing frequency of structural failures, NICE has initiated a targeted campaign to sensitise developers, contractors, and the general public on the dangers of bypassing certified professionals. Speaking during a recent stakeholder engagement in Awka, the leadership of the institution noted that many of the recorded collapses are directly attributable to the engagement of "quacks" individuals posing as engineers without the requisite training, certification, or professional indemnity.
The institution emphasised that the structural integrity of any building is dependent on professional soil testing, precise structural design, and the use of materials that meet the specifications of the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
Systemic Gaps and Enforcement Challenges
NICE identified several systemic weaknesses contributing to the crisis, including the circumventing of building approval processes and a lack of on-site monitoring by regulatory agencies. The body argued that while the Anambra State government has established building control agencies, the lack of collaboration with professional engineering bodies often allows substandard projects to proceed undetected.
To address these gaps, the institution is proposing a mandatory "Professional Certification of Fitness" at various stages of construction. This would require developers to present endorsements from certified civil engineers before moving from foundation to decking and, ultimately, to completion.
Mitigating the Use of Substandard Materials
Beyond the issue of quackery, the campaign also targets the influx of substandard building materials in the local market. NICE is advocating for a partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to conduct regular inspections of construction sites and material distributors. The institution warned that the combination of poor professional oversight and low-quality reinforcement bars or cement creates a high-risk environment for structural failure.
"Building collapse is not a natural disaster; it is a man-made failure resulting from negligence and greed," a representative of the institution stated. The body urged the state government to prosecute developers and "quacks" found responsible for collapses to serve as a deterrent to others.
The move by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers marks a critical step toward sanitising the construction sector in Anambra State. As the state undergoes rapid urban expansion, the professionalisation of the building process is essential for sustainable development. NICE remains committed to working with state authorities to establish a framework where only registered civil engineers are permitted to supervise high-rise and complex structural projects. The success of this campaign will ultimately depend on the political will of the state government to enforce existing building codes and penalise professional misconduct.
