The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has identified faulty designs and the use of substandard materials as the leading causes of recurring structural failures in Nigeria’s construction sector.
This assertion was made on Tuesday by the NSE President, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, during a public lecture and induction ceremony held to mark the commencement of the 2025 Engineering Week in Damaturu, Yobe State.
Speaking through the NSE Vice President, Usman Tijjani, Oguntala stressed that strict adherence to standard engineering practices is crucial to preventing project delays, budget overruns, and the collapse of building structures.
“Stakeholders must adhere to standard and professional practices to avoid delays, budget overrun, and collapse of building structures,” she warned.
Oguntala expressed concern over the long-term safety and economic consequences of structural failures, noting that engineering negligence has far-reaching effects on public infrastructure.
She described the theme for this year’s engineering week: “Construction of flyovers and other related engineering infrastructures,” as timely and critical to Nigeria’s developmental goals.
Commending the Yobe State government for its ongoing infrastructural drive, particularly the construction of Damaturu’s first-ever flyover, the NSE president urged authorities to ensure rigorous technical assessments before executing such capital-intensive projects.
“Flyovers are not just symbolic achievements; they require proper structural integrity assessments, accurate soil testing, quality control, and adequate budgetary provisions to ensure they do not become liabilities,” Oguntala said.
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She further urged engineers, contractors, and government agencies to uphold professional ethics and give priority to crucial technical elements, including soil bearing capacity, concrete strength, environmental considerations, and design load parameters.
Earlier, the NSE Damaturu branch Chairman, Aliyu Sabo, said the 2025 Engineering Week aims to promote excellence in engineering practice, raise public awareness about quality infrastructure delivery, and reinforce ethical standards in the profession.
He outlined a week-long schedule of activities, including visits to engineering project sites, orphanages, and hospitals, culminating in a gala night and awards ceremony.
Sabo also paid tribute to late Jibrin Kortoni, a former director-general of the Yobe State Ministry of Lands and Survey and past chairman of the Damaturu branch, for his instrumental role in developing the branch’s secretariat.
The highlight of the event was the formal induction of 17 new members into the Damaturu branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, marking a continued commitment to strengthening engineering capacity in the state.