By Obah Sylva
The Gombe Assembly Complex collapse was linked to construction procedures and temporary support arrangements rather than structural design or material defects, according to findings by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
The engineering regulator said its investigation found the consulting structural engineer qualified and the structural design checked and sealed. Tests showed that the concrete and reinforcement materials met specified requirements, while temporary formwork and construction sequencing were identified as probable contributing factors in the July 24, 2026 collapse.
Key Highlights
- COREN released findings into the Gombe Assembly Complex collapse.
- The council did not attribute the collapse to structural design or material deficiencies.
- Temporary formwork and the construction sequence were identified as probable contributing factors.
- The canopy was reportedly cast in one operation instead of progressively in stages.
- One worker died and seven others were injured in the July collapse.
- Construction may continue under enhanced supervision and stricter professional requirements.
COREN Explains Cause of Gombe Assembly Complex Collapse
According to COREN National Registrar Okorie Austin Uche, the investigation examined the structural drawings, reinforcement details, concrete test results, formwork arrangements and construction sequence.
The collapse occurred on July 24 while fresh concrete was being placed on the reinforced-concrete cantilever entrance canopy. COREN said its panel found that the consulting structural engineer was qualified and that the structural design had been checked and sealed.
The council said tests showed that the concrete had adequate compressive strength and that the reinforcement bars were consistent with the sizes specified in the structural drawings. Integrity tests on the standing structure after the collapse also indicated that it remained technically adequate.
Temporary Formwork Identified as Probable Factor
Rather than blaming the structural design, COREN identified the temporary formwork and the sequence in which concrete was placed as probable contributing factors.
The panel found that the canopy was cast in one operation rather than progressively in stages. According to the investigation, this placed substantial demands on the temporary support system while fresh concrete was being placed.
COREN described the temporary formwork as a critical part of the load-bearing system during construction. The finding puts attention on construction methodology and site supervision, while the investigation also noted that the working drawings had not received approval from the relevant authority.
Contractor Failed to Engage Full Team of Registered Professionals
COREN also raised concerns about the professional personnel engaged on the project. The council said the contractor had failed to engage all required registered professionals, including engineers and architects.
The investigation further found that the engineer’s site representative was an unregistered graduate, while the working drawings had not received approval from the relevant approval authority. These findings have increased attention on professional supervision and regulatory compliance in major public construction projects.
One Worker Killed, Seven Injured
The collapse occurred while construction work was ongoing, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to seven others. Following the incident, the Gombe State Government ordered an investigation.
Earlier reports identified the incident as a major safety concern and prompted calls from built-environment professionals for a comprehensive technical audit. COREN later constituted an investigative panel, which reviewed project documents and technical aspects of the construction before submitting its findings to the state government.
Gombe Government Accepts COREN Recommendations
Gombe State Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau received the COREN report on behalf of the state government and pledged to implement its recommendations.
Jatau said the government was not prepared to sacrifice quality and safety for speed in completing the Assembly complex. He confirmed that the contractor could continue work, but only with enhanced supervision and the involvement of qualified, registered professionals.
He said lessons from the incident would be used to strengthen quality control, professional oversight and compliance with engineering standards across government projects in the state.
Read also:
- COREN Approves Tougher Measures To Curb Engineering Failures, Building Collapses
- Oborevwori Inspects Failed Agbarho Bridge, Promises Lasting Solution
Construction to Resume Under Stricter Oversight
With COREN’s findings submitted, work on the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex can proceed subject to recommended corrective measures. The council’s assessment has shifted attention from the structural design itself to construction practices, temporary support systems, professional registration and site supervision.
COREN has also continued to emphasise stronger engineering regulation and safety standards amid wider concerns about structural failures in Nigeria. The council recently partnered with other professional and research bodies on efforts to address engineering failures and improve safety.
Implementation of the recommendations will determine whether the identified construction and supervision weaknesses are adequately addressed before the project progresses further. Follow us on X for more updates.
