“Faulty Designs, Poor-Quality Materials Behind Structural Failures” – NSE

The Nigerian Society of Engineers has identified faulty designs and poor-quality materials as the primary causes of structural failures in the construction industry.

This assertion was made on Tuesday by NSE President, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, during a public lecture and induction of new members to mark the 2025 Engineering Week in Damaturu.

“Stakeholders must adhere to standard and professional practices to avoid delays, budget overrun, and collapse of building structures, the NSE President emphasised.

Oguntala, represented by the NSE Vice President, Usman Tijjani, emphasised the importance of adhering to standard practices to avoid delays, cost overruns, and outright collapse. She highlighted the safety concerns and long-term economic implications of such failures, describing the theme “Construction of flyover and Other Related Engineering Infrastructures” as timely.

The NSE President commended the Yobe State Government’s commitment to infrastructural development and engineering excellence, citing the ongoing construction of Damaturu’s first flyover as a prime example. However, she cautioned that such ambitious projects require thorough structural integrity assessments, accurate soil testing, proper design, and quality control to ensure durability and safety.

Oguntala noted that flyovers are capital-intensive and require adequate budgetary provisions to avoid stalling midway and becoming liabilities rather than assets.