The Chairperson of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Engr. Maryam Balla, has called for strict adherence to building regulations and the engagement of qualified engineers to combat the growing menace of building collapse across Nigeria.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with SolaceBase, Balla identified quackery and the use of substandard materials as major contributors to the recurring tragedies of collapsed buildings, which often result in loss of lives and property.
“We have taken it upon ourselves to fight quackery in the engineering profession. On February 5, we launched a national campaign to educate the public against hiring unqualified personnel and using low-quality materials,” she stated.
Read Also: Building Collapse: “Qualified engineers must be patronized to prevent tragedies” – NICE
She explained that professional engineers are those who have completed their academic programs, served the nation, and acquired a minimum of four years of work experience before sitting for the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ certification exams.
She urged the public to always ask for an engineer’s license and registration number before allowing them to work on construction sites.
Balla lamented how some developers prioritize speed and cost over quality, often hiring unqualified contractors or relying on architects to perform engineering duties.
“People are told a particular block is of high quality but expensive, and in a bid to cut corners, they go for cheaper, substandard alternatives,” she said.
She also expressed concern over the trend of altering building plans mid-construction.
“Some individuals demand upper floors for buildings that were never structurally designed to carry such loads,” she noted, adding that this reckless practice contributes to the rising cases of building failure.
Balla called for adherence to the building code of practice, especially in light of changing weather conditions and global warming, stressing the need for sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.
As part of her agenda as Chairperson, she said NICE is committed to capacity building through training programs for fresh graduates.
“Every Saturday, we organize field-structured training sessions to help them bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.”
Reflecting on the growth of the association, Balla said NICE began with a handful of members in Kano who often met without a dedicated office.
“We had meetings with just six to eight people, but through aggressive awareness campaigns and membership drives, we expanded significantly,” she said.
She credited the association’s growth to visionary leaders, including the first chairman, and disclosed that they later discovered Kano had a high concentration of civil engineers.
This prompted a strategic outreach to engage more members, leading to the creation of a comprehensive database for registered engineers.
The inauguration of the Kano chapter, she revealed, followed an engagement in Abuja, where the national body recognised Kano’s active participation and suggested formalising its chapter status.
“Our goal has always been to give back to the community that raised and educated us. We engage in brainstorming, technical sessions, and emergency response efforts, particularly in cases of structural failures,” she concluded.
Comments are closed.