Civil engineers in Anambra State have renewed calls for the elimination of quackery in the construction industry, warning that the engagement of unqualified persons remains a major cause of recurring building and infrastructure collapse in the state.
The call was made by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Anambra State Chapter, during a nationwide advocacy rally held in Awka at the weekend. The rally, tagged “Walk Against Building and Infrastructure Collapse (2.0)”, featured a 15-kilometre awareness walk across the Awka Capital Territory.
Addressing participants, the State Chairman of NICE, Engr. Chidi Obiudu, said the exercise was aimed at promoting safer construction practices and enforcing compliance with professional standards.
“This nationwide advocacy walk reinforces the urgent need for strict adherence to engineering standards and the ‘Build Right, Build Safe’ principle,” Obiudu said.
“Building collapse is one of the most preventable tragedies in our built environment, yet it continues to claim lives because standards are ignored.”
He described the campaign as a collective call on regulators, professionals, artisans and the public to reject quackery, prioritise safety and patronise certified civil engineers.
Participants carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Say No to Building Collapse,” “Patronise Professional Civil Engineers,” “Safe Building Is a Human Right,” and “Weak Foundations Lead to Tragedies.”
The Chairman of the House Committee on Works in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Emma Nwafor, commended NICE for the initiative and for involving engineering students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
Nwafor, who represents Orumba South State Constituency, disclosed that the state has enacted laws to curb quackery in construction and that a task force has been set up to enforce compliance.
He said the law—sponsored by himself and 28 other lawmakers—was designed to regulate construction activities, reduce infrastructure failure and sanction individuals and organisations engaged in unsafe practices.
The lawmaker called for stronger collaboration among NICE, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory (ASMTL), the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) and the Anambra State Physical Planning Board.
He lamented weak regulation and monitoring, noting that artisans and unqualified persons had taken over structural jobs, while duplication of approval stamps had further compromised building control.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, Engr. Ebosie Ezeoke, said the agency plays a key role in preventing building collapse through scientific testing of construction materials.
Speaking through a senior official, Vivian Nnemelu, Ezeoke said ASMTL conducts tests on soil, concrete, steel and asphalt to ensure structural safety and reduce loss of lives and property.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of NICE, Engr. Chidi Anuligo, urged authorities to intensify action against quacks and ensure the use of quality materials, while encouraging communities to monitor projects in their areas.
Also speaking, the Faculty of Engineering Students’ Leader at UNIZIK, Emmanuel Nnonyelu, blamed frequent building collapse on corruption, poor regulation, substandard materials and quackery, stressing that engineering ethics must come before profit.
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