NATIONAL BUILDING CODE: A TOOL FOR CURBING INCESSANT BUILDING COLLAPSE IN NIGERIA

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE: A TOOL FOR CURBING INCESSANT BUILDING COLLAPSE IN NIGERIA

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ABSTRACT

This study is on national building code: a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria. The objectives of the study are; To identify and examine carefully the fundamental possible causes of incessant building collapse in Nigeria, to establish the need for an effective National Building Code as an instrument for curbing irregularities that causes building collapse in Nigeria, to examine the degree of influence exerted by the various factors on this menace of incessant building collapse, to suggesting lasting solutions to solve the problems and to ascertain whether National building code is acting as a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria. The total population for the study is 200 staff of selected construction companies in Lagos. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made director, administrative staff, builders and junior staff were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

 

                                        CHAPTER ONE

                                       INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the study

Building is one of the most valuable assets of mankind and for that it needs to be properly structured. The incidence of building collapse that are associated with man-made factors has become a major issue of concern in Nigeria’s states. It has become a regular occurrence for residential and commercial buildings to collapse as if the stakeholders and the building industry are ignorant of the phenomenon (Tah, 2006). Buildings are structures which serve as shelter for man, his properties and activities. They are expected to be properly planned, designed and erected to obtain desired satisfaction from the environment. However, in recent times, especially in the last seven years, one hundred and thirty-five (135) cases of structural collapse of building has been recorded in Lagos State alone (NAN, 2013).

The history of National Building Code in Nigeria could be trace back to 1987, when the Defunct National Council of Works and Housing directed that a National Building Code be evolved for Nigeria. All the stakeholders in the Building Industry were duly contacted for input. Thereafter the defunct Federal Ministry of Works and Housing organised a National workshop at ASCON, Badagry – Lagos State in 1989. To further fine tune the Draft National Building Code, another workshop was held at the Gateway Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State in 1990. The product of the Ijebu-Ode Code was approved by the then National Council on Housing in 1991. Unfortunately this document was not ratified by the then Federal Executive Council for use in the Country. The need to reawake the National Building Code arose from reoccurring cases of collapse building in the country in recent time due to poor construction plan.

Collapse in building could be total or partial failure of one or more of its components leading to inability of the building to perform its principal functions of safety and stability. Ikpo (1998) defined building failure as a defect or imperfection, deficiency or fault in a building elements or components. It may also be as a result of omission of performance. The degree of building failure can therefore be related to the extent or degree of deviation of a building from the “as-built” state which in most cases represent the acceptable standard within the neighbourhood, locality, state or country. Every structural system is designed to meet some needs and be safe to avoid loss of live, property and damage to the environment. In a normal setup, building collapse are not expected within the projected lifespan of structures, but due to the imperfection in the actions of human beings and the existence of so many other external factors that influence the safety of structures, failures do occur (Ede 2010).

The incidence of building failures and collapses has become major issues of concern in the development of Nigeria as the frequencies of their occurrence and the magnitude of the losses in terms of lives and properties are now becoming very alarming. In fact, building collapse has now become a familiar occurrence, even to layman on the street in Nigeria (Fagbenle & Oluwunmi, 2010). Natural forces outside the control of man can also be responsible for failures and collapse such as earthquakes andt remors, landslide, flooding, high wind velocities like hurricane, etc.

Alamu & Gana (2014) added that the menace has casts a slur on the competence of the nation’s building community of professionals responsible for designing and monitoring construction works at building sites. Experts have also suggested that professionals should not bear the blame alone. This is because, firstly, it has been proved that owners of building under construction derail from their approved plans relying more on imagination and fantasy. Secondly, the approving authorities are also known to fail to monitor compliance with approved plans. Thirdly, some building owners shun professionals in order to cut costs. Fourthly, the high cost of building materials has led greedy contractors with eyes on profits, to patronize substandard materials. These short-cut measures have contributed immensely to the occurrence of failed buildings in the country.

Some of these buildings collapse under construction and many others being occupied by the users which has resulted in loss of lives, properties, money and time. And these man-made factors which was as a result of human errors within the whole processes of building delivery can be avoided with a good system in place. The National Building Code we know today was crafted and agreed by all the stakeholder in the Nigerian Built environment in 2006, with the aim to set minimum standard on building Pre-design, Designs, Pre-construction, Construction and Post Construction stages with a view to ensuring quality, safety and proficiency in the building industry.  Base on this background the researcher wants to investigate national building code as a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The degree of building failure can therefore be related to the extent or degree of deviation of a building from the “as-built” state which in most cases represent the acceptable standard within the neighbourhood, locality, state or country. Every structural system is designed to meet some needs and be safe to avoid loss of live, property and damage to the environment. The National Building Code we know today was crafted and agreed by all the stakeholder in the Nigerian Built environment in 2006, with the aim to set minimum standard on building Pre-design, Designs, Pre-construction, Construction and Post Construction stages with a view to ensuring quality, safety and proficiency in the building industry.  Twelve years after, this publication in the industry still remain very fragmented and operating in „Business-as-usual’

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study;

1. To identify and examine carefully the fundamental possible causes of incessant building collapse in Nigeria
2. To establish the need for an effective National Building Code as an instrument for curbing irregularities that causes building collapse in Nigeria.
3. To examine the degree of influence exerted by the various factors on this menace of incessant building collapse
4. To suggesting lasting solutions to solve the problems
5. To ascertain whether National building code is acting as a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.       Does National building code act as a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria?

2.       Does any significant relationship exist between poor construction supervision and increased rate of building failures in Nigeria?

3.       Is there any possibility of using National Building Code as an effective instrument for curbing irregularities that causes building collapse in Nigeria?

4.       Does any significant relationship exist between poor construction supervision and unsustainable building construction practices (use of substandard designs, materials, manpower & procedures) in Nigeria?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following hypotheses shall direct the thrust of this study.

Ho:  there are no possible causes of incessant building collapse in Nigeria

Hi:   there are possible causes of incessant building collapse in Nigeria.

Ho: National building code is not acting as a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria.

Hi:   National building code is acting as a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Research into national building code: a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria in order to find solution to the menace can reduce unnecessary waste of energy and natural resources. It can also reduce both the need for land area for extracting resources and land fill. This brings about sustainability in our development and promotes human capacity building. Sustainable development has emerged as a paradigm for balancing environmental, social and economic goals (Tah, 2006), which includes the provision of safe and affordable homes (Howard, 2000). Most of the building failures often result in loss of productive lives and time which does not augur well for sustainable development goals.

 

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers national building code: a tool for curbing incessant building collapse in Nigeria. The study is selected to cover major cities in Jos. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS 

 National Building Code: The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. The building code becomes law of a particular jurisdiction when formally enacted by the appropriate governmental or private authority.

Curbing: Restrain or keep in check

Incessant Building Collapse: Collapse in Buildings could be total or partial failure of one or more components of a building leading to the inability of the building to perform its principal function of safety and stability.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

tives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

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