Opinion

Building Collapse: One Too Many

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2024

The recent collapse of Saint Academy Secondary School building in Jos, Plateau State, which claimed the lives of 22 persons among whom were innocent pupils and their teachers, has again brought to the fore, the menace of continuous building collapses in Nigeria. Sadly, that same Friday, a three-storey building still under construction in the students’ hostel area of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Ifite Awka, Anambra State, also crashed. Yet, following closely on the next morning, a two-storey building collapsed at Phase two, Site Two of the Kubwa area of Abuja, a former Al-Hilal Hotel that recently got reconstructed into residential quarters. Building collapse is becoming a daily phenomenon in Nigeria. If you live in a high-rise building, beware!
According to preliminary reports, the Saint Academy School tragedy is a sad out-come of a former bungalow which got converted into a two-storey building. The tragedy came at the ten-year anniversary of an earlier one in the same city of Jos when in September 2014, Abu Naima Primary and Secondary School, Bukuru, in Jos North LGA, had collapsed killing 30 pupils. As jarring and condemnable, the reccurrence of building collapses become, the regrettable losses have not elicited appropriate actions that would make them avoidable. Rather, after every incident, stakeholders react in routine knee-jerk rescue efforts, count human and material losses, wail and pour outward expressions of sympathy for victims, while some officials harp on the need to maintain guidelines on building standards, or even issue some mere threats that amount to no tangible solutions.
Though the history of building collapses is as old as Nigeria, its propensity has jumped in the last ten years, involving especially new or on-going projects in Nigeria’s growimg mega cities, as developers in the face of poor building regulations try to reap inordinate profits from property boom. There has been virtually no one held culpable to deter perpetrators of unsafe building practices.On September 12, 2014, a six storey guest house within the Synagogue Church of All Nations at the Ikotun area of Lagos State, collapsed upon 300 victims leading to 116 deaths, among whom were 85 South Africans. The accident occurred despite forewarnings to church founder, Pastor TB Joshua, of observed structural defects. However, despite the Coroner’s Inquest inditing Pastor Joshua in the incident, he was never prosecuted.
On March 8, 2016 at Lekki, an on-going storey building being erected by the Lekki Worldwide Gardens collapsed killing 34 construction workers. This was despite allegations that Lagos State officials had issued a Stop Work Order on the construction site for contravening building approval terms. The developers were alleged to have recalcitrantly raised the building beyond the approved number of floors to the point of crashing. The crash on November 1, 2021, of another on-going construction of 21-storey Ikoyi Towers, which killed 44 persons, including the owner, Mr Femi Osibona, his personal assistant, Oyinye Enekwe and a US-based Nigerian business mogul and Managing Director of Foursquare Heights Ltd, Mr Wale Bob-Oseni, was also a consequence of adding more floors above the approved design levels. Disappointingly, these incidents and that at Banana Island, Lagos, of April 2023, ocurred despite projects being handled by supposed experts.
In recent times, Anambra State has been in the news more for building collapses than for anything else, though with lesser fatalities, but the crash on June 12, 2024, of an on-going five-storey Centenary Building in Onitsha, a building being erected by the Old Boys’ Association of Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) for its centenary anniversary, is worrisome given the calibre of professionals involved in the project. However, the collapse of Ochanja Market stalls in Onitsha, being constructed by Anambra State Government was the most disappointing of all, being handled by a regulator that should set the pace. Within weeks, another on-going construction of a two-storey market stalls collapsed on about 200 traders just last week, killing four at Eke Oyibo Market of Amawbia in the Awka metropolis, in close proximity of city planning officials.
Rivers state also is not left out in this ugly tally considering the sad crash of then on-going seven-storey building on November 23, 2018, at Woji Road, GRA Phase 2 of Port Harcourt, followed by the recent spike in on-going building collapses which include the February, 2023 crash of on-going two-storey building at Mbodo-Aluu, two separate callapses in June, 2023 of two-storey buildings at Okilton Drive and Ada-George areas of Port Harcourt, and the collapse weeks ago of a two-storey building at Okporo area of Rumuodara in Port Harcourt. While it is difficult to enumerate all incidents across the country, it is remarkable that the menace became worse within the last ten years. What may cause a building to collapse? Experts say, structural failures as a result of flaws in building design process, or improper project implementation, lead to collapse, but there is more to it from prevailing conditions in the country.
Though, present day developers use software tools to model building designs, the inability to interpret results with respect to erecting high rise buildings with currently available construction materials in the Nigerian market, raises questions of expertise. While many practitioners still resort to using structural formulation templates established from colonial days, when construction materials found in the Nigerian open markets were of standards specified in structural design handbooks, the use of prevailing poor materials for such designs creates vulnerability. Today, due to standards enforcement failures, the construction materials market is chaotic with regard to getting actual nominal dimensions of specific material quality, in view particularly of reinforcement rods.
For instance, what is nominally a 12mm rod in the market today, could range in real rod diameters from 10mm, 11mm to 11.5mm if one insists on taking actual measurements with a calliper, but a dealer would rate them small guage, medium gauge or full gauge 12mm rods, saying that size depends on manufacturer. But gauge should be gauge without intermediates because any reduction in diameter of rods leads to exponential reduction in cross-sectional area and shear strength. Also more unascertain is the alloy make-up which determines important metallurgical properties of rods, and one may seem out from the moon to ask a trader. The confusion cuts across all rod sizes, and buying materials has become an art in itself. For sawn woods, it is difficult to get any nominal dimension except one undertakes to saw customised dimensions, which is unusual. Also, some experts say current cement qualities are incomparable to former ones.
The consequence is that rebars configured according to specifications from handbook templates, but done with ‘Nigerian materials,’ may not bear the intended loads, or do so with very marginal factor of safety. In a country where budget has become a major decisive factor in construction, these considerations may be secondary in the absence of strict regulations even to ‘professional’ practitioners, let alone expecting some to employ qualified on-site supervisors. The solution to building collapses is that Nigeria should, no matter how difficult it is, revert to upholding general standards. The strict enforcement of the National Building Code of 2006 should be a good starting point. A regime in which concrete tests and certifications at every critical stage of construction are mandatorily required as pre-conditions for project continuation, should be strictly introduced, while the Standards Organisation of Nigeria should deploy materials test laboratories to certify and provide technical data of prevailing building materials to help operators make informed decisions.
Moreso, a situation where regulatory officials, city planners, supervisors and approval officers, allow themselves to be compromised should be discouraged by ensuring that prosecutions were conclusively pursued in every collapse to involve developers and culpable regulatory officials.

Joseph Nwankwor

Opinion

Curbing Youth Unemployment In Nigeria

Published

8 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A nation that fails to empower its youth risks mortgaging its future.”

Youth, generally defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, represent a critical phase of human development—a transition from adolescence to adulthood marked by ambition, energy, and the pursuit of purpose. In Nigeria, this demographic constitutes a significant proportion of the population, making it one of the country’s greatest assets. However, this strength is increasingly undermined by a persistent and troubling challenge: youth unemployment.

Unemployment, the condition of being without gainful employment despite the willingness and ability to work, remains a major global concern. In Nigeria, however, it has reached alarming levels, particularly among young people. With estimates suggesting that a substantial percentage of Nigerian youth are either unemployed or underemployed, the consequences have become deeply embedded in the nation’s social and economic fabric.

The impact of youth unemployment is both widespread and severe. Economically, it leads to increased poverty levels and reduced productivity. Socially, it fuels frustration, hopelessness, and disillusionment among young people. This often manifests in rising rates of crime, cyber fraud, substance abuse, and involvement in political violence. When young people are unable to find legitimate means of livelihood, they may become vulnerable to negative influences, posing a threat not only to themselves but to society at large.

One of the primary drivers of youth unemployment in Nigeria is the inadequacy of the educational system. While many young Nigerians graduate from tertiary institutions each year, a significant number lack the practical and technical skills required in today’s job market. The disconnect between academic curricula and industry demands leaves graduates ill-prepared for employment, thereby widening the gap between education and employability.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s heavy dependence on the oil sector has contributed significantly to the unemployment crisis. Over the years, this reliance has led to the neglect of other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology—sectors that have the potential to generate large-scale employment. The failure to diversify the economy has limited job opportunities and stifled innovation, leaving many young people without viable career paths.

In addition, rapid population growth continues to put immense pressure on the labor market. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce, but the number of available jobs remains insufficient to absorb them. This imbalance creates intense competition for limited opportunities, leaving many qualified individuals unemployed for extended periods.

Access to finance also remains a major barrier for young Nigerians who wish to venture into entrepreneurship. Despite the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that many youths possess, the lack of access to credit facilities, mentorship, and business support systems makes it difficult for them to establish and sustain their own enterprises. This challenge is further compounded by infrastructural deficits, such as unreliable power supply and limited access to technology.

Security challenges across various parts of the country have also worsened the situation. In some regions, economic hardship and lack of opportunities have made young people susceptible to recruitment into violent or extremist activities. This not only exacerbates insecurity but also diverts the energy of the youth away from productive engagement.

Addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The government must take the lead by implementing policies that promote economic diversification, particularly by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy. These sectors hold immense potential for job creation and can absorb a large portion of the unemployed youth population.

Equally important is the reform of the educational system to emphasize skill acquisition, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. Schools and institutions must align their curricula with market needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant and practical skills. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in facilitating internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs.

The private sector also has a crucial role to play in driving job creation and innovation. By investing in youth-focused initiatives and supporting startups, businesses can help unlock the potential of young Nigerians. Additionally, financial institutions should develop more accessible and youth-friendly credit schemes to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

On an individual level, young people must embrace self-development, adaptability, and continuous learning. In an increasingly competitive and evolving global economy, acquiring digital skills, engaging in vocational training, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities can significantly improve employability.

In conclusion, youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. However, it is not an insurmountable problem. With deliberate policies, strategic investments, and collective action from government, the private sector, and individuals, Nigeria can transform its youth population into a powerful engine of growth and development. By empowering young people with opportunities, skills, and resources, the nation can secure a more prosperous and stable future.

IVARA Favour Isaac is a student of Pan-African Institute of Management and Technology.

By: Ivara Favour Isaac

Opinion

Ozoro Festival: Tradition or Tyranny?

Published

8 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.”

In recent days, national attention has turned to the small community of Ozoro in Delta State, where what was once described as a cultural fertility rite—the Alue-Do Festival—has become the subject of outrage, grief, and urgent national reflection. According to accounts from notable indigenes of Ozoro and the Isoko ethnic group, the festival was originally conceived as a symbolic ritual intended to bless couples struggling with conception. In theory, it was meant to celebrate life, continuity, and communal identity. However, what reportedly unfolded on March 22 bore no resemblance to any noble cultural ideal. Videos circulating widely on social media show groups of men chasing women, forcibly stripping them, and subjecting them to sexual assault in public spaces. These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.

They compel us to confront a difficult but necessary question: when does tradition cease to be culture and become tyranny? It is encouraging that prominent voices—including the First Lady, the Minister of Women Affairs, human rights organisations, and women’s advocacy groups—have condemned these barbaric acts. The Delta State Government has since banned the Alue-Do Festival, while law enforcement authorities have reportedly made arrests. Yet beyond the immediate outrage lies a deeper and more uncomfortable conversation—one that communities across the country must confront honestly: the thin line between culture and abuse. “Culture is not static—it evolves, or at least, it should.” Culture is often described as the soul of a people, encompassing traditions, beliefs, and practices passed down through generations. Nigeria is richly endowed with diverse cultural heritage, much of which we rightly celebrate.

However, when culture becomes a shield for harmful practices, it loses its moral authority. When actions that violate fundamental human rights are justified in the name of tradition, we must ask: whose culture is this, and at what cost? The events in Ozoro illustrate how a practice that may once have held symbolic meaning can devolve into something deeply harmful. Even if the Alue-Do Festival began as a benign fertility rite, its present manifestation—marked by violence and coercion—cannot be defended. “Culture must align with dignity, consent, and respect—anything less is not tradition, but abuse.” One of the most persistent arguments in defence of controversial practices is that they are “part of our heritage” and therefore beyond criticism. Yet harmful practices—child marriage, inhumane widowhood rites, and domestic abuse—have long been justified using this same reasoning. This argument is not only flawed; it is dangerous. No culture is above scrutiny, particularly when it endangers the rights and safety of its people.

History reminds us that many practices once considered “normal” are now widely condemned. Societies progress by questioning and reforming such practices—not by clinging to them. Nigeria is not exempt from this reality. As a nation governed by law and constitutional principles, we cannot afford to tolerate practices that undermine the rights of citizens—especially women. At the heart of the Ozoro incident lies a broader societal issue: the perception of women as objects rather than autonomous individuals. The actions of the perpetrators were not isolated—they were enabled by a mindset that sees women’s bodies as accessible, controllable, and, in some contexts, communal property. “Women are not possessions, prizes, or objects of exploitation—they are individuals with rights, agency, and dignity.” This mindset reflects a deeper systemic problem often described as “rape culture,” visible in victim-blaming narratives, the dismissal of harassment, and the silence that frequently surrounds abuse.

For meaningful change to occur, this mindset must be confronted directly. Parents, religious institutions, government agencies, and the media all have critical roles to play in reshaping societal attitudes. Traditional institutions also wield significant influence, particularly in rural communities. With that influence comes responsibility—not only to preserve culture but to ensure that cultural practices align with contemporary standards of human rights and decency.The reported denial by the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom of knowledge of the recent festival raises important questions about oversight and accountability. Community leaders and members alike must rise to their responsibilities. Cultural practices are sustained by collective acceptance. Silence, indifference, or complicity only perpetuate harm. While cultural reform is essential, it must be accompanied by accountability. The arrests made in connection with the incident are a step in the right direction, but they must lead to tangible outcomes. “Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”

Allowing perpetrators of sexual violence to go unpunished sends a dangerous message—that such actions are tolerable. This fosters a culture of impunity. The law must be clear and unequivocal: sexual assault, in any form and under any guise, is a crime. It is not a cultural expression—it is a violation.It must be emphasised that calling for the abandonment of harmful cultural practices is not an attack on tradition, but a call to refine it. Culture, at its best, is dynamic—it adapts while preserving its core values.“Tradition should uplift, not oppress.” Modernising culture does not mean erasing identity. It means ensuring that traditions remain relevant, inclusive, and respectful of human dignity. As Nigeria continues to evolve, it must decide what kind of society it aspires to be: one that hides behind tradition to justify abuse, or one that embraces progress while honouring its heritage responsibly. The outrage over the events in Ozoro is justified—but outrage alone is not enough

. It must translate into action: legal, cultural, and educational. We must state, without ambiguity, that no tradition justifies the violation of human dignity. We must hold perpetrators accountable and challenge the attitudes that enable such acts. True development is measured not only by infrastructure or economic growth, but by how a society treats its most vulnerable members. “If a cultural practice dehumanises, degrades, or endangers, it has no place in a modern society.” Where tradition fails to uphold dignity, it ceases to be culture. It becomes tyranny.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Bazia EXCO @ One: NUJ Rivers Reawakened

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “For the first time in years, Rivers journalists are not just hearing promises—they are seeing a union that works.”

The first year in office of the Paul Bazia-led executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has offered something many had almost given up on—renewed confidence in union leadership. For a body as critical as the NUJ, whose responsibility goes beyond professional coordination to include the welfare, protection, and continuous development of journalists, expectations are always high. Unfortunately, past experiences had conditioned many members to expect less—less action, less visibility, and less impact.This is why the past twelve months stand out. Within a relatively short period, the Bazia-led administration has demonstrated a level of drive that distinguishes it from its predecessors. There is a noticeable shift from inertia to activity, from routine administration to purposeful leadership. Initiatives captured in the one-year report point to an executive that understands both the urgency of its mandate and the frustrations of its members.

Particularly commendable is the renewed attention to journalists’ welfare. For too long, welfare issues have lingered without meaningful resolution, leaving many practitioners feeling unsupported. The current leadership’s efforts—through engagement, structured support, and timely interventions—signal a welcome change in priorities. Equally important is the push toward professional development. In an era where journalism is rapidly evolving, capacity building is no longer optional. The administration’s commitment to training and skill enhancement reflects an understanding that a stronger union must be built on more competent and competitive professionals. There is also something to be said about visibility and voice. A vibrant NUJ must not only serve its members internally but also stand as a credible voice in the public space—defending press freedom, promoting ethical standards, and constructively engaging critical issues.

Encouragingly, the current executive appears more present and responsive, giving the union a renewed sense of relevance. Perhaps what resonates most, however, is the sense of movement. For many members, the difference between the present and the immediate past is not subtle—it is clear. Where there was once stagnation, there is now direction. Where there was doubt, there is growing belief. Beyond the visible strides recorded within this first year, what perhaps deserves even greater applause is the restoration of institutional confidence within the Nigeria Union of Journalists. For a long time, many members had grown disenchanted, viewing the union more as a ceremonial body than an active force capable of defending their interests and advancing their welfare. That narrative, however, is gradually changing. The Bazia-led executive has not only initiated programs but has also rekindled a sense of belonging among members.

Meetings appear more purposeful, engagements more intentional, and decisions more reflective of collective interest. This psychological shift—subtle as it may seem—is one of the most critical achievements of the past year, because a union that its members believe in is already halfway to effectiveness. It is also important to underscore the contrast with the immediate past, not as an exercise in criticism, but as a necessary context for measuring progress. Where previous administrations struggled to translate plans into action, the current leadership has shown a greater bias for execution. Projects that once lingered in discussion stages are now seeing tangible movement, and issues that were previously deferred are receiving attention. This difference in approach—moving from prolonged deliberation to decisive action—has helped reposition the union as a more responsive and relevant institution.

While no administration is without its shortcomings, the willingness to act, even in the face of constraints, marks a significant departure from what members were accustomed to. Looking ahead, the expectations of members—and indeed the wider public—will only grow stronger. With a solid first year behind it, the Bazia-led executive now carries the burden of consistency. Members will expect deeper welfare interventions that go beyond immediate relief to more sustainable support systems. They will look for expanded training opportunities that prepare journalists for the rapidly changing media landscape. They will also expect a firmer, more courageous voice on issues affecting press freedom and professional integrity. Above all, they will demand continuity—assurance that the progress recorded so far is not a fleeting phase but the beginning of a sustained transformation.

Meeting these expectations will not be easy, but it is precisely this challenge that defines enduring leadership. That said, this moment of applause must also serve as a moment of reflection. A strong first year inevitably raises expectations. Journalists in Rivers State will now look beyond initial achievements toward consolidation. Welfare interventions must become more structured and far-reaching. Training programs must be sustained and expanded. Advocacy must become more consistent and impactful. Most importantly, the unity of the union must be strengthened, ensuring that all members feel included and carried along. Transparency will also be key. Continued open communication about finances, decisions, and challenges will deepen trust and set a standard for accountable union leadership. The task ahead is clear: to convert early momentum into lasting institutional progress.

For the Bazia-led executive, the opportunity is significant. It has, within one year, reawakened belief in what the NUJ Rivers State Council can be. The next step is to ensure that this renewed energy does not fade, but instead becomes the foundation of a stronger, more responsive, and more respected union. For the members, the message is equally clear—expect more, demand more, and support what works because in the end, a vibrant union is not built by leadership alone, but by a collective commitment to progress. And for now, under Bazia, that progress has truly begun.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi