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The collapse of a two-storey building under construction in Jikwoyi, FCT, has once again brought concerns over construction safety and regulatory oversight to the forefront, with renewed calls for a more structured national framework to govern the sector.
The incident, which occurred on Friday 3 April 2026, left several workers injured, while emergency responders moved swiftly to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.
Reacting to the development, construction and engineering expert, Abiola Aderibigbe, described the incident as a “sobering reminder” of the need for stronger alignment across Nigeria’s construction ecosystem.
“Incidents like this are deeply concerning, not only because of the immediate harm, but because they point to gaps that can and should be addressed,” Aderibigbe said.
He noted that while efforts have been made by regulators and industry stakeholders, the absence of a single, coordinated legal framework continues to create inconsistencies in standards, supervision, and enforcement.
“Nigeria has capable professionals, committed regulators, and an active construction sector. The challenge is that these efforts are not always operating within a unified system.”
Aderibigbe, who has consistently advocated for a Nigerian Construction Act, said such legislation would help consolidate existing regulations into a coherent structure that improves accountability and safeguards lives.
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“A Construction Act would not replace what already exists, but strengthen it, providing clarity, consistency, and a shared standard across the industry.”
According to him, the goal is not to assign blame, but to ensure that lessons from incidents like Jikwoyi translate into meaningful, system-wide improvements.
“Every incident gives us an opportunity to reflect and refine. The priority must always be prevention, and that requires coordination at a national level.”
Industry observers have long highlighted recurring concerns around site supervision, compliance monitoring, and the enforcement of existing standards — issues that continue to surface in both urban and developing areas.
Aderibigbe emphasised that addressing these challenges requires collaboration between government, regulators, and private sector stakeholders.
“This is a shared responsibility. With the right framework in place, Nigeria can significantly improve outcomes across the built environment.”
He added that the timing presents an important opportunity to advance reforms that align with Nigeria’s broader infrastructure and development ambitions.
“As the country continues to grow and build, ensuring that safety and quality are embedded into that growth is essential.” Aderibigbe concluded.
