Business
Why Buildings Collapse – Consultant
A Facility Management Consultant in Nigeria, Engr Afolabi Adedeji, is worried about the increasing incidence of collapsed buildings in Nigeria with its attendant casualities and economic losses.
Adedeji told The Tide in Lagos that the infiltration of quackery greed and corruption into the building and construction industry has made human life to: cheap, and this has left bad name to the industry.
In an interview, Adedeji who is also an environmental expert said stakeholders in the engineering and construction sub-sector should rise to the challenge of saving the industry from the bad name that is causing core professionals of patronage.
The consultant, who called for sanity in the building/construction industry regretted that landlords, developers, corporate organizations as well as those who purchase building materials exploit the situation to cut costs to the detriment of safety and good construction practice.
He identified corruption and lack of maintenance as the twin evils affecting the good intention and efforts of successive administrations at meeting the housing needs of the people. He lashed site operators who sell construction materials like cement, sand, concrete, blocks and iron rods meant for reinforcement.
“They under reinforce the concrete and put inadequate quantity of cement in the blocks, thus making them 50 brittle that they break easily,” the consultant noting that the landlords or those who procure construction materials/services deviate from the approved plans submitted to the town planning authorities even as they add additional floors, rooms and neglect to put the desired columm, beams and other structural elements on appropriate place to guarantee the strength of the buildings.
He, however, charged construction companies in Nigeria to be proactive in issue of quackery in the industry to restore its lost glory.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
