CPTA, CSOs Raise Alarm Over Substandard Building Materials, Building Collapse

The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA), alongside a coalition of over 50 civil society organisations (CSOs), has raised concern over the increasing activities of unqualified contractors, widespread use of substandard building materials, corruption in procurement processes, and persistent disregard for approved construction standards across the country.

The coalition warned that these practices continue to undermine public safety, weaken infrastructure integrity, and erode confidence in Nigeria’s construction and building regulatory systems.

Speaking on behalf of the group, executive director of CPTA, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Jr., made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during an engagement organised by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) with CSOs on building standard compliance.

He described the engagement as timely and necessary, noting that recurring incidents of building collapse and weak regulatory enforcement pose serious threats to lives, investments, and public trust.

“Across Nigeria, recurring cases of building collapse, substandard construction, weak regulatory compliance, and poor enforcement continue to threaten lives, investments, and public confidence,” he said.

Ogheneyero called for stronger collaboration among NBRRI, regulatory agencies, professional bodies, and anti-corruption institutions to ensure strict adherence to building standards and professional ethics.

“We believe this engagement should lead to practical outcomes, including stronger collaboration among NBRRI, regulatory agencies, professional bodies, and anti-corruption institutions to ensure strict compliance with building standards and professional regulations,” he added.

He stressed that every collapsed structure represents more than an engineering failure, but also reflects gaps in oversight, accountability, regulation, and professional conduct.

“Every failed structure represents more than an engineering failure; it reflects gaps in oversight, accountability, regulation, and professional ethics,” he said.

According to him, such failures undermine community safety and stability, adding that infrastructure integrity is directly tied to economic growth, urban development, national security, and public welfare.

“Infrastructure integrity remains directly connected to economic growth, urban development, national security, and public safety. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and housing projects are not merely physical assets; they are symbols of governance, credibility, and national progress,” he said.

He commended NBRRI for the engagement, describing it as a demonstration of openness, professionalism, and commitment to national development.

However, he noted that research and standards alone are not sufficient without effective implementation and enforcement, stressing the need for stronger action from relevant authorities.

Ogheneyero further urged civil society organisations to intensify efforts in promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness within the construction sector.

He also called on the government to increase investment in local research, innovation, and the development of affordable indigenous building technologies tailored to Nigeria’s environmental and developmental needs.