FCTA and specialists meet in Abuja to discuss building collapse and undeveloped lands

In order to address the issues of building collapse, undeveloped plots, and abandoned structures, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) met with building experts, regulatory organisations, and other stakeholders on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting in Abuja, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of FCTA’s Department of Development Control, voiced FCTA’s worry over unsafe constructions and the recent wave of building collapses in the FCT.

Galadima clarified that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways to reduce the threat of building collapse in the FCT.

Working with professionals outside of FCTA, in his opinion, would tighten supervision and ensure that only high-quality projects are carried out in the FCT.

“As a responsible organisation, we must take the initiative to deal with building collapse instances. We must cooperate with professional organisations and regulatory entities.

“The meeting will assist us in forming a group that will offer recommendations on how to combat the threat of building collapse and subpar buildings.

“We will interact with experts and oversight organisations on a regular basis to talk about technical concerns and improve project monitoring.

“This will help us share responsibilities on how to ensure quality and safe buildings in the Abuja city,” he stated.

Galadima revealed that the soon-to-be-formed committee will also look into the problems associated with vacant lots and abandoned buildings and offer remedies.

Mr. Cyril Nwafor of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), who also spoke, pleaded on the National Assembly to put the council’s recommendations into action that have been made available to it since 2010.

He outlined his recommendations, which included holding projects in the hands of just licenced specialists and punishing individuals responsible for failing ventures.

Other professional organisations present at the conference, according to OBASANJO NEWS24, included the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).