A prominent architect and environmentalist, Mr. Tunde Imolehin, has warned against the engagement of unqualified professionals in building construction, describing professional incompetence as a major cause of building collapse in Nigeria.
Imolehin, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), made the call while reacting to the recent collapse of a two-storey building in Akure, the commercial capital of Ondo State.
According to him, building failure and collapse have become recurring challenges in the country, stressing that Ondo State must not be allowed to join the growing list of states plagued by such incidents.
“Building collapse is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. We do not want this malaise in Ondo State. Competent professionals must be involved in the total building package,” he said.
Imolehin decried unhealthy rivalry and role conflicts within the building construction industry, noting that such practices often compromise safety standards.
“Conflict and unhealthy competition in the construction industry must stop. Roles should be properly defined, and professionals must adhere strictly to their responsibilities,” he added.
The architect, who is also a Council Member of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), further called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other relevant regulatory agencies to enforce quality control without compromise.
“In many cases, materials specified by competent professionals are discarded to satisfy economic pressures and greed. That is absolutely unacceptable,” he said.
Imolehin, who also serves as the ARCON Representative in Ondo State, disclosed that investigations revealed professional lapses in the design and construction of the collapsed building.
“We were informed that the drawings used for the construction were prepared by a non-registered architect and that the project was not properly supervised by competent professionals,” he stated.
Calling for collective responsibility, he stressed the need for strict adherence to approval processes and building regulations.
“Every construction must carry the approved seal of both an architect and an engineer. The approval process must not be compromised, and laws guiding building delivery must be reviewed, respected and enforced,” Imolehin said.
He explained that ARCON has established a Monitoring and Compliance Committee across states to strengthen enforcement of building regulations, adding that he chairs the committee in Ondo State.
“This committee will be inaugurated in February to give real effect to the laws governing building delivery in the country. We will work with government and all custodians of the built environment to sanitise the building space,” he assured.
