Council recommends safety checks on Abuja buildings – Earth tremors
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has called for immediate safety assessments of buildings following recent earth tremors in Abuja, particularly in Mpape and nearby areas. In a statement from the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Adetunji Adeniran, CORBON emphasized the need for proactive checks to ensure the structural integrity of buildings in affected locations.
CORBON acknowledged assurances from the Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, that the tremors do not pose an immediate environmental threat. However, the council urged caution and recommended safety measures to prevent any risks from structural weaknesses in buildings.
“CORBON hereby emphasises the need for appropriate safety precautions and proactive measures to be taken on all buildings in the affected areas,” Adeniran stated, calling for immediate action through thorough building assessments to identify potential hazards.
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As part of its role as a regulatory body overseeing the building industry, CORBON made specific recommendations for property owners, government agencies, and the general public. The council urged the use of non-destructive structural integrity tests on all residential, commercial, and public buildings in the tremor-hit zones. They also stressed the importance of collaboration between registered builders and other industry experts to address any vulnerabilities discovered during assessments.
CORBON further highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety and structural integrity in both construction and ongoing maintenance practices, particularly following seismic events like these tremors. “Such measures will identify and prevent potential risks to life and property,” the council noted.
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Reaffirming its commitment to promoting best practices, CORBON pledged to continue monitoring the situation and provide necessary guidance. The council also assured the public of its dedication to ensuring the highest standards of safety in the building industry.
According to Prof. Olusegun Ige, Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), 48 separate earthquakes were recorded, with increasing intensity and frequency from Friday, September 13, to Monday, September 16. He noted that NGSA’s Katampe Monitoring Station had captured several significant ground motions over the five-day period.
