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PORT HARCOURT – The Federal Government has expressed worries of the recurring incidences of building collapse in the country, urging the Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers to end the menace in the field.
The Minister of Regional Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh, handed down the charge when he spoke at the 22nd International Civil Engineerings Conference and AGM, 2024, in Port Harcourt with the theme: “Innovative Technology and Local Content for Sustainable Civil Infrastructure in a Challenging Economy.
Momoh, who was represented at event by Okoduwa Dauda Aluya, congratulated the body for striving for excellence and organising the Conference, but regretted the spate of building collapse in the country.
The Minister said it was possible for NICE to end the incessant building collapse in the country, declaring that the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the body.
He said: “The Minister said he has confidence on the Nigeria Civil Engineers that it is possible to put a stop to the incessant building collapse in our field.
“The Ministry of Regional Development which was formally the Ministry of Niger Delta Development is open for collaboration with the Civil Engineers in Nigeria. That at anytime, the door is opened for exchange of knowledge interaction on technical matters.”
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the NICE, Dr. Virgilus Ezugu, in his address disclosed that the body under his leadership in their move to end building collapse has produce a hand book to guide against the menace.
Ezugu said: “In addition to the professional development, the Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers has been actively engaged in advocating for the advancement of infrastructure development in Nigeria.
“Through our advocacy efforts, we have worked closely with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to promote policies that support sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects.
“Our advocacy has been instrumental in advocating for the importance of quality infrastructure in driving economy growth, improving lives, and enhancing the overall well-being of our society.
“In line with this, a workshop on Building Collapse Prevention was held in Abuja. Through this effort, we have developed a hand book to bring to a practical end, the menace of incessant building collapse which has caused our country enormous losses in material and human resources.”
