Primary Causes of Building Collapse in Nigerian Construction Industry. A Systematic Analysis

Abstract

This review synthesises research on primary causes of building collapse in Nigeria, including structural failures like foundation issues, material quality, and design flaws; economic influences such as cost-cutting measures and corruption; the role of regulatory standards and enforcement like building codes and inspection processes; and the impact of education and training of construction professionals on construction practices to address persistent safety challenges undermining sustainable development. The review aimed to evaluate structural failure factors, benchmark economic influences, assess regulatory compliance effectiveness, analyse professional education impacts, and compare regional variations across major Nigerian cities. A systematic analysis of multidisciplinary studies from 2012 to 2024, encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and geotechnical methodologies focused on urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, was conducted. Findings indicate that substandard materials, foundation inadequacies, and design flaws, compounded by inadequate supervision, are primary structural causes; economic pressures including cost cutting and corruption critically undermine construction quality and regulatory enforcement; weak building code enforcement and inspection processes prevail despite high awareness; and deficiencies in professional education and training limit adherence to quality and safety standards. Regional disparities reveal context-specific challenges requiring tailored interventions. These interconnected factors form a complex causality network influencing building collapse. The synthesis underscores the need for integrated policy reforms, enhanced regulatory capacity, and strengthened professional training to improve construction safety and quality in Nigeria.