Evaluation of Collapsed Buildings in Nigeria from 2015 to 2025: Causes, Effects and Control

Over the years, Nigeria has witness significant numbers of collapsed buildings leading to tragic and significant loss of lives, injuries, properties destruction, and lack of public confidence in construction industry. This is a major concern to government, stakeholders in building industry and the general public despite various efforts to avoid the calamities; yet, it has become a persistent and tragic problem. Therefore, this study is to evaluate the collapsed buildings in Nigeria, the root causes, effects, control, and examining notable cases from 2015 to 2025 in order to drastically reduce these incidences even if it cannot be eliminated totally and to ensure safer and more resilient buildings in Nigeria.

The study employed descriptive survey and the research approach adopted was qualitative. Data was collected from secondary source derived from multiple sources such as published and unpublished materials in books, journals, internets, and case studies. Forty one (41) notable collapsed buildings were selected from 2015 to 2025 based on number of casualties excluding the number of injuries. Data was analysed using cross-tabulation to examine the causes and number of casualties.

             The study revealed that the major cause of collapsed buildings in Nigeria was the use of substandard materials, and this led to structural failure of these buildings. Others causes include: unauthorized developments, modifications and alterations, negligence, poor construction practices, corruption, and non adherence to regulatory bodies.

            The study concluded that collapsed buildings in Nigeria are preventable and can be drastically reduced if it cannot be eliminated totally provided all hands involve in the building constructions perform their duties effectively, sincerely with strong governance, accountability, professional ethics, material control, community vigilant and total commitment to building integrity.