– Urges Government to Involve private sector, civil society, and individuals.
(Mallam AbdulAkeem Ibrahim)
By BiolaLawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): An Abuja-based Real Estate Developer,
Mallam AbdulAkeem Ibrahim, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a multi-stakeholder approach
to combat the recurring problem of building collapse in the country.
Speaking in an interview with FLOWERBUDNEWS on Tuesday in Abuja, Mal. Ibrahim, who is also the Director General of Almuntaqim Empowerment, a Non-governmental organisation, expressed concern over the problem of building collapse with its usual devastating consequences on Nigerians.
Highlighting the strategies to effectively combat the menace, Mal. Ibrahim said that a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, private sector, civil societies and individuals should be adopted.
Mallam Ibrahim, who is also a respected philanthropist, said such government-backed stakeholders should explore how to effectively utilise artisans to tackle the problem because they were the ones directly involved in using building materials
‘:By empowering artisans with skills, resources, and support, Nigeria can reduce building collapse incidents,” Mallam Ibrahim stated.
He recommended potential Short-term solutions including; ‘:Enforcement of building codes and regulations, Regular inspections and monitoring, Penalties for non-compliance, Training and certification for builders and engineers and Emergency response planning and preparedness.”
On Long-term solutions to combat building collapse in the country, Mallam Ibrahim suggested ”Review and updating of building codes and regulations; Enhancement of Infrastructure development (roads, drainage, utilities);
Land use planning and management; Public education and awareness campaigns and Encouraging sustainable building practice”.
”Implementing these solutions requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, private sector, civil society, and individuals” the Real Estate Developer reiterated.
Mallam Ibrahim noted that ”Artisans play crucial roles in preventing building collapse in Nigeria”
On Design and Construction Phase, to prevent building collapse, Mal. Ibrahim suggested ”Proper interpretation of building designs and plans; Accurate execution of construction tasks! Ensuring structural integrity and quality workmanship and Adhering to building codes and regulations.’:
He said that maintenance and Repair were also crucial to preventing building collapses and recommended ”Conducting regular maintenance checks;. Identifying and addressing structural defects.and performing repairs and renovations,” as some of steps that could help.
Mallam Ibrahim said that attention should also be paid to Specialized Artisans to ensure that quality professional jobs were done.
”Welders: Ensuring strong steel connections; Carpenters: Building sturdy roofs and floors; Electricians: Installing safe electrical systems; Plumbers: Ensuring proper water and sewage systems,” he recommended.
Mal. Ibrahim identified Challenges Faced by Artisans to include ”Lack of training and capacity building; Inadequate equipment and tools; Poor working conditions and
Limited enforcement of building regulations.’:
To solve them, the Real Estate Developer Recommended Provision of training and capacity-building programs; Ensuring access to quality materials and equipment; Encouraging collaboration with professionals and Strengthening of regulatory frameworks and enforcement.” (Flowerbudnews)
About Flowerbudnews
Established by Hon. Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers. We are drawn from both public and private sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism.
Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.
Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.
The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.
He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght. The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.
