FIABCI Advocates Adoption of Global Standards to Address Building Collapse in Nigeria
The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) has urged Nigeria to adopt proven international construction models and regulatory frameworks to address the recurring problem of building collapses and infrastructure vulnerabilities across the country.
The recommendation was made at FIABCI’s 2025 Annual General Meeting held in Lagos, which also marked the induction of 20 new practitioners into the association.
Speaking at the event, Chief of the Taiwan Mission at the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, cited Taiwan’s decades-long investment in education, governance, and regulation as a foundation for its construction resilience. He highlighted how Taiwan’s integrated approach to real estate combining government regulation, professional oversight, and private sector participation could provide valuable lessons for Nigeria.
According to Liu, “Real estate must be developed through a coordinated system where government, construction firms, architects, and planners work together. This guarantees safety, liveable environments, and infrastructure that supports daily life. Taiwan’s experience in disaster preparedness, particularly against flooding and typhoons, can guide Nigeria in building stronger and more resilient structures.”
He added that while Taiwan has faced its share of building collapses, lessons from those experiences have resulted in stronger monitoring, enforcement, and improved building codes measures Nigeria could adapt to mitigate similar risks.
Public-Private Partnerships as a Development Driver
FIABCI Nigeria’s Lagos Chapter President, Akin Opatola, emphasised the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in adopting and implementing foreign models locally. He argued that PPPs provide governments with the means to conserve scarce public resources while leveraging private sector expertise and capital.
“PPP is the most sustainable model for infrastructure and housing development. It allows governments to redirect limited resources to other priorities while ensuring private investors recover costs over time,” Opatola explained, citing the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge project as a practical example of PPP-driven development in Nigeria.
He further noted that sectors such as hospitality, affordable housing, and transport stand to benefit significantly from PPPs, provided that regulatory frameworks ensure transparency and accountability.
Sustaining Momentum Beyond Conferences
FIABCI Africa & Near East Region President, Adeniji Adele, cautioned against limiting Nigeria’s global real estate visibility to single events such as the World Congress, which the country hosted earlier this year. He stressed the need for sustained collaboration between government, private investors, and industry stakeholders.
“Today’s AGM is not only a statutory duty but a platform to consolidate and chart a long-term path forward. The credibility gained from international engagement must translate into stronger domestic frameworks, sustained growth, and regional leadership,” Adele said.
Looking Ahead
Building collapses remain a recurring concern in Nigeria, often attributed to poor regulation, weak enforcement, and the use of substandard materials. FIABCI’s call for adopting global standards and strengthening PPPs underscores the urgency of reforming the sector to guarantee safety, restore investor confidence, and enhance urban resilience.
For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: improving construction quality and infrastructure delivery requires not only learning from international models but also enforcing compliance through collaboration between government, industry professionals, and investors.
