Abstract

The research work is aimed at identifying the causes of building collapse in Nigeria and proffer solutions that would help the combating the menace. Two prominent cities, Lagos and Kaduna were taken as case study. Questionnaires were administered to some project architects, building engineers, civil engineers, town planners, building control/regulatory bodies (KASUPDA Kaduna state urban and planning and development authority) and some very few reluctant clients. Observations were recorded from field trip to ascertain some structure collapse. Important data were obtained from professional institute that has been monitoring and evaluating building processes and procedures, such as the Nigeria institute of Building (NIOB), the Nigeria institute of Architects (NIA), the Nigeria society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), and planning authorities. The rate of losses incurred by the country both in terms of human and material resources is enormous each time a building collapses. The use of competent professional and the untiring monitoring of structures by regulatory authority would assist in reducing the problem to the minimum if not eradicated completely. However, building code can also assist in reducing the menace of building collapse in Nigeria through the administrative processes and evaluation methods of regulatory bodies from design stage to construction stage.