Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Abia State chapter, has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of professional standards and building regulations following the collapse of two buildings in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state. The buildings, which were at an advanced stage of completion, collapsed at New Jerusalem Road 8 and Eze Iheme Road, by Ama Uchenna Mgboko, Umuette Okpulo Umuobo, in Osisioma Ngwa LGA of Abia State on Friday, June 19, 2026.
No life was lost in either incident, according to the institute. Speaking on Saturday, June 20, after inspecting the sites of the collapsed buildings, members of the Nigerian Institute of Building advocated stronger measures to prevent structural failures.
The Chairman of the Practice Committee of the Institute, Wisdom Okore, described the recurring incidents of building collapse in different parts of the country as a serious concern that requires coordinated action by government, regulatory agencies and professionals across the construction industry. He said sustained capacity building through regular workshops, training programmes and professional development would strengthen compliance with established standards and improve the quality of building production processes.
According to Okore, registered professional builders have the statutory responsibility of coordinating and managing building production from conception to completion in line with recognised professional standards and regulatory requirements. He urged the Abia State Government to strengthen the implementation of the National Building Code and the Abia State Physical Planning and Development Regulations, noting that effective enforcement of existing provisions would reduce structural failures. He expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in either of the incidents, describing the outcome as fortunate while sympathising with those whose properties were affected.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Abia State Chapter, Mr Chinedu Nwanosike, called on all professionals engaged in the building industry to uphold ethical standards and comply with approved construction procedures.
The collapses are the latest in a series of building failures in Abia State. In April 2026, a three-storey building under construction collapsed at Olokoro Road in Umuahia, injuring seven persons. Earlier in February 2026, a section of the First Bank building on Library Avenue in Umuahia collapsed. The recurring incidents have prompted the state government to establish a material-testing laboratory to certify construction materials and inaugurate a Committee of Inquiry to develop a robust building control framework.
The Nigerian Institute of Building has urged the Abia State Government to strengthen the implementation of the National Building Code and the Abia State Physical Planning and Development Regulations, warning that without effective enforcement of existing provisions, structural failures will continue to occur. The institute has also called on all professionals in the building industry to uphold ethical standards and comply with approved construction procedures, emphasising that the prevention of building collapses requires a collective commitment from government, regulatory agencies, and industry practitioners.
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