Adopt Foreign Models to Curb Building Collapse – FIABCI

By Nehemiah Anini for The Chronicles of Construction

The recurring problem of building collapse in Nigeria has once again been brought into focus — and this time, experts are urging the country to look outward for solutions.

At the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) in Lagos, global voices stressed the need for Nigeria to adopt tested foreign construction models and regulatory standards as a way to safeguard lives and investments.

LESSONS FROM TAIWAN

Speaking with The Chronicles of Construction, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Chief of the Taiwan Mission at the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, highlighted how Taiwan’s decades of investment in education, regulation, and disaster management could serve as a blueprint.

“Real estate must be developed the right way,” Liu explained.
“That means government regulation, construction companies, architects, and city planners working together. This guarantees a better way to develop. Taiwan has faced floods, typhoons, and earthquakes, but what we learned from those tragedies has helped us build stronger systems. Nigeria can take some of these lessons and avoid the same mistakes.”

Liu also stressed that good housing is more than shelter — it is about liveable environments, transportation, and infrastructure that support daily life.

Nigeria faces unique challenges, especially flooding, poor monitoring, and weak enforcement of building codes. According to Liu, stronger regulations and compliance from contractors, coupled with trained architects using quality materials, will significantly reduce the risk of collapses.

“Non-compliance anywhere in the world leads to tragedy. But once you strengthen monitoring and enforcement, you save both lives and money,” he said.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPP) AS A SOLUTION

Adding to this, Akin Opatola, President of FIABCI Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP).

“In every advanced economy, PPP has proven effective,” Opatola noted.
“It allows government to conserve resources while leveraging private sector expertise. From housing to transport — including major projects like the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge — PPP ensures accountability, efficiency, and sustainable growth.”

Adeniji Adele, President of FIABCI Africa & Near East Region, reminded participants that the momentum from hosting the FIABCI World Congress in June 2025 must not fade.

“This AGM is more than a statutory duty. It is a moment to consolidate, reflect, and push forward. FIABCI Nigeria must continue to collaborate with both government and private stakeholders to raise standards, strengthen regulation, and position Africa in the global real estate community.”

The message from FIABCI is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to keep repeating the same mistakes. Stronger standards, better monitoring, and openness to global models — combined with PPPs — offer a pathway to safer buildings and resilient cities.

At The Chronicles of Construction, we believe this conversation is vital for professionals, policymakers, and the general public alike. Building the future requires not just bricks and mortar, but the wisdom to learn from others and the discipline to enforce what works.

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