“Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management in Nigeria.”
Aliko Dangote
In a bid to combat the alarming rate of building collapses in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Arvind Pathak, has urged professional builders to emphasise the use of high-quality materials in their construction projects.
This message was conveyed during the 32nd Lagos Builders Conference organised by the Nigerian Institute of Building, centred on the theme “Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management in Nigeria.”
Maintaining Standards
While representing Mr Pathak at the conference, the National Sales Director of Dangote Cement, Mrs Funmi Sanni, implored builders to address the issue of building collapses and insisted on the use of quality materials in collaboration with artisans. She emphasised the importance of maintaining the Institute’s esteemed reputation.
Mrs Sanni further detailed the range of Dangote Cement products specifically designed for various stages of the construction process. These include BlocMaster for foundations and concrete casting, Falcon for block making, laying, plastering, rendering, and tiling, and 3X, their premium product line.
Reducing Building Collapses
Sanni emphasised the management’s belief that adhering to stipulated standards is essential for safe and sustainable building, significantly reducing the risk of building collapses.
In his opening address, Builder Lucky Isename, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building, highlighted the crucial role of the construction industry in national development and growth. He stressed the need for builders to focus on the speed, efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the built environment.
Isename acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and population growth, leading to increased construction activities in Nigeria. He emphasised that, despite the positive aspects of development, ensuring safety and sustainability is paramount.
Isename pointed out that ensuring citizens’ safety is of utmost importance. Regrettably, Nigeria has witnessed numerous building collapses, often attributed to poor construction practices, inadequate supervision, and the use of substandard materials.
61 Building Collapses in 2022
Additionally, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Olayinka, received an award from the Institute. In his remarks, he urged fellow professionals to exercise caution when considering building designs from clients.
Notably, the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) reported that at least 61 building collapses occurred across Nigeria in 2022. Lagos State topped the list with 20 incidents, constituting 48.7% of all cases, according to the BCPG report.
