Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach

Jibrin Sule; Ejembi Oche Augustine; Miiraj Abdulmumin; Abubakar Halidu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11

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Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach

Jibrin Sule^*

, Ejembi Oche Augustine

, Miiraj Abdulmumin

, Abubakar Halidu

Published in Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 12 December 2025 Accepted: 24 December 2025 Published: 19 January 2026

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Abstract

The persistent incidence of building collapse in Nigeria has emerged as a critical concern for researchers and stakeholders in the built environment. Despite the frequency of these events, many have not been systematically analyzed to determine their underlying causes. This study investigates a selection of collapsed buildings across various locations in Nigeria, examining parameters such as building type, structural condition at the time of collapse, number of casualties, prevailing weather conditions, and both causative and contributory factors expressed in percentages. Findings reveal that the predominant cause of building collapse is the use of substandard construction materials, accounting for 35.38% of cases. Geotechnical investigation failures follow as the second leading cause at 21.54%, while poor or non-professional design contributes 13.85%. Other significant factors include ageing infrastructure, dilapidation, induced stress, and inadequate supervision (10.76%), poor workmanship (10.78%), and non-compliance with building regulations (7.69%). The study concludes that mitigating building collapse in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving proactive planning, stringent enforcement of building codes, and heightened public awareness. These measures are essential to safeguard lives and property and to ensure the integrity of the built environment.

Published in	Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11
Page(s)	1-13
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Building Industry, Building Collapse, Substandard Materials, Geotechnical Investigations

References

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[2]	Ayedun, C. A., Oloyede, S. A., Durodola, D. O., Adedoyin, A. A., & Ogunde, A. O. (2018), “Building failure and collapse: A framework for tackling its scourge in Nigeria”. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 9(9), pp 395–404.
[3]	Orikpete, O. F., & Ewim, D. R. E. (2023), “Investigating the root causes of recurring building collapse in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis”. Journal of Earth & Environment Science, pp 61–70.
[4]	Ekundayo, O. O. (2023), “Building failure crisis in Nigeria: Addressing causes, prevalence and solutions”. World Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, 9(12), pp 82–93. Retrieved from https://www.wjert.org/download/article/72112023/1701852067.pdf
[5]	Ekponyoh, U. D., George, W. K., Etuk, E. R., Elijah, E. S., & Kabari, A. D. (2025), “Building collapse in Abuja and Lagos between 1984 and 2023: Assessing structural vulnerabilities to prevent reoccurrence”. World Journal of Innovative Management and Technology, 9(2), pp 1–27. https://doi.org/10.56201/wjimt
[6]	Qurix, W. B., & Doshu, R. G. (2020), “Mitigating building collapse in Nigeria”. ARTEKS Journal, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.30822/arteks.v5i3.596
[7]	Olagunju R. E., Aremu S. C. and Ogundele J. (2013), “Incessant Collapse of Buildings in Nigeria: An Architect’s View”. Civil and Environmental Research 3(4), pp 49 –54.
[8]	Ede, A. N. (2010), “Building Collapse in Nigeria: The trend of casualties in the last decades (2000-2010)”. International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering IJCEE-IJENS, 10(6), pp 32–42.
[9]	Ayininuola, A. J., & Olalusi, O. O. (2004), “Assessment of Building failures in Nigeria: Lagos and Ibadan case study”. African Journal of Science and Technology, 5, pp 73–78.
[10]	Adebowale, P. A., Gambo, M. D., Ankeli, I. A., & Daniel, I. D. (2016), “Building Collapse in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges”. In Proceeding of the International Journals of Art and Sciences (pp 99–108).
[11]	Oloyode, S. A Omogun, C. B and Akinjare, O. A (2010), “Tracking Causes of Building Collapse in Nigeria”. Journal of sustainable Development 3 (3), PP 127-132.
[12]	Oseghale, G. E., Ikpo, I. J., & Ajayi, O. D. (2015), “Causes and Effects of Building Collapse in Lagos State, Nigeria”. Civil and Environmental Research, 7(4), pp 34–43.
[13]	Folagbade, S. O. (2002), “Case Study of Building collapse in Nigeria”. In Proceedings on building collapse: Causes, Prevention and Remedies, Ondo State, Nigeria: The Nigerian Institute of Building (pp 110–121).
[14]	Youdeowei, P. O. and Rowland-Lato, E. O (2019), “Geotechnical Investigation of a collapsed building site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State”. International Journal of Engineering Research Technology, 8 (4), pp 125-136.
[15]	Chinwokwu, G. (2000), “The role of professionals in averting building collapse”. Proceedings of a workshop on Building collapse: Causes, prevention and remedies (pp 12-28). The Nigerian Institute of Building, Lagos State.
[16]	Olagunju, R. E. (2011), “Development of Mathematical Models for the Maintenance of Residential Buildings in Niger State, Nigeria”, Ph.D (Architecture) Thesis, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
[17]	Fagbenle O. I. and Oluwunmi A. O. (2010), “Building Failure and Collapse in Nigeria: The Influence of the Informal Sector”. Journal of Sustainable Development 3(4), pp. 268–276.
[18]	Babalola H. I. (2015), “Building Collapse: Causes and Policy Direction in Nigeria”. International Journal of Scientific Research and Innovative Technology 2(8), pp 1-8 https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234683168.pdf
[19]	Chendo, I. G. and Obi, N. I. (2015) “Building Collapse in Nigeria: The Causes, Effects, Consequences and Remedies” International Journal of Civil Engineering, Construction and Estate Management, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp 41-49.
[20]	Windapo, A. O., & Rotimi, J. O. (2012), “Contemporary Issues in Building Collapse and Its Implications for Sustainable Development”. pp 283–299. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings2030283

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APA Style

Sule, J., Augustine, E. O., Abdulmumin, M., Halidu, A. (2026). Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach. Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 11(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11

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ACS Style

Sule, J.; Augustine, E. O.; Abdulmumin, M.; Halidu, A. Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach. J. Civ. Constr. Environ. Eng. 2026, 11(1), 1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11

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AMA Style

Sule J, Augustine EO, Abdulmumin M, Halidu A. Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach. J Civ Constr Environ Eng. 2026;11(1):1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11

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@article{10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11,
  author = {Jibrin Sule and Ejembi Oche Augustine and Miiraj Abdulmumin and Abubakar Halidu},
  title = {Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach},
  journal = {Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jccee.20261101.11},
  abstract = {The persistent incidence of building collapse in Nigeria has emerged as a critical concern for researchers and stakeholders in the built environment. Despite the frequency of these events, many have not been systematically analyzed to determine their underlying causes. This study investigates a selection of collapsed buildings across various locations in Nigeria, examining parameters such as building type, structural condition at the time of collapse, number of casualties, prevailing weather conditions, and both causative and contributory factors expressed in percentages. Findings reveal that the predominant cause of building collapse is the use of substandard construction materials, accounting for 35.38% of cases. Geotechnical investigation failures follow as the second leading cause at 21.54%, while poor or non-professional design contributes 13.85%. Other significant factors include ageing infrastructure, dilapidation, induced stress, and inadequate supervision (10.76%), poor workmanship (10.78%), and non-compliance with building regulations (7.69%). The study concludes that mitigating building collapse in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving proactive planning, stringent enforcement of building codes, and heightened public awareness. These measures are essential to safeguard lives and property and to ensure the integrity of the built environment.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach
AU  - Jibrin Sule
AU  - Ejembi Oche Augustine
AU  - Miiraj Abdulmumin
AU  - Abubakar Halidu
Y1  - 2026/01/19
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11
T2  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JF  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JO  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
SP  - 1
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-3890
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11
AB  - The persistent incidence of building collapse in Nigeria has emerged as a critical concern for researchers and stakeholders in the built environment. Despite the frequency of these events, many have not been systematically analyzed to determine their underlying causes. This study investigates a selection of collapsed buildings across various locations in Nigeria, examining parameters such as building type, structural condition at the time of collapse, number of casualties, prevailing weather conditions, and both causative and contributory factors expressed in percentages. Findings reveal that the predominant cause of building collapse is the use of substandard construction materials, accounting for 35.38% of cases. Geotechnical investigation failures follow as the second leading cause at 21.54%, while poor or non-professional design contributes 13.85%. Other significant factors include ageing infrastructure, dilapidation, induced stress, and inadequate supervision (10.76%), poor workmanship (10.78%), and non-compliance with building regulations (7.69%). The study concludes that mitigating building collapse in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving proactive planning, stringent enforcement of building codes, and heightened public awareness. These measures are essential to safeguard lives and property and to ensure the integrity of the built environment.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Jibrin Sule

Building Research Department, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Abuja, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-0479-7317
Ejembi Oche Augustine

Building Research Department, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Abuja, Nigeria

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-8647-9770
Miiraj Abdulmumin

Civil Engineering Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4008-6165
Abubakar Halidu

Civil Engineering Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nasarawa, Nigeria

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-0128-6213

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APA Style

Sule, J., Augustine, E. O., Abdulmumin, M., Halidu, A. (2026). Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach. Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 11(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11

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ACS Style

Sule, J.; Augustine, E. O.; Abdulmumin, M.; Halidu, A. Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach. J. Civ. Constr. Environ. Eng. 2026, 11(1), 1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11

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AMA Style

Sule J, Augustine EO, Abdulmumin M, Halidu A. Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach. J Civ Constr Environ Eng. 2026;11(1):1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11,
  author = {Jibrin Sule and Ejembi Oche Augustine and Miiraj Abdulmumin and Abubakar Halidu},
  title = {Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach},
  journal = {Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jccee.20261101.11},
  abstract = {The persistent incidence of building collapse in Nigeria has emerged as a critical concern for researchers and stakeholders in the built environment. Despite the frequency of these events, many have not been systematically analyzed to determine their underlying causes. This study investigates a selection of collapsed buildings across various locations in Nigeria, examining parameters such as building type, structural condition at the time of collapse, number of casualties, prevailing weather conditions, and both causative and contributory factors expressed in percentages. Findings reveal that the predominant cause of building collapse is the use of substandard construction materials, accounting for 35.38% of cases. Geotechnical investigation failures follow as the second leading cause at 21.54%, while poor or non-professional design contributes 13.85%. Other significant factors include ageing infrastructure, dilapidation, induced stress, and inadequate supervision (10.76%), poor workmanship (10.78%), and non-compliance with building regulations (7.69%). The study concludes that mitigating building collapse in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving proactive planning, stringent enforcement of building codes, and heightened public awareness. These measures are essential to safeguard lives and property and to ensure the integrity of the built environment.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach
AU  - Jibrin Sule
AU  - Ejembi Oche Augustine
AU  - Miiraj Abdulmumin
AU  - Abubakar Halidu
Y1  - 2026/01/19
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11
T2  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JF  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JO  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
SP  - 1
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-3890
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.11
AB  - The persistent incidence of building collapse in Nigeria has emerged as a critical concern for researchers and stakeholders in the built environment. Despite the frequency of these events, many have not been systematically analyzed to determine their underlying causes. This study investigates a selection of collapsed buildings across various locations in Nigeria, examining parameters such as building type, structural condition at the time of collapse, number of casualties, prevailing weather conditions, and both causative and contributory factors expressed in percentages. Findings reveal that the predominant cause of building collapse is the use of substandard construction materials, accounting for 35.38% of cases. Geotechnical investigation failures follow as the second leading cause at 21.54%, while poor or non-professional design contributes 13.85%. Other significant factors include ageing infrastructure, dilapidation, induced stress, and inadequate supervision (10.76%), poor workmanship (10.78%), and non-compliance with building regulations (7.69%). The study concludes that mitigating building collapse in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving proactive planning, stringent enforcement of building codes, and heightened public awareness. These measures are essential to safeguard lives and property and to ensure the integrity of the built environment.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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