Investigating The Socio – Economic and Environmental Impact of Building Collapse in Nigeria, (A Case Study of Jos Metropolis, Plateau State)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine building collapses in Nigeria, focusing on Jos metropolis in Plateau State as a
case study. The specific objectives were to investigate the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of building
collapses in Jos metropolis, identify the primary causes, evaluate the supervisions rated factors which has
contributed to building collapse in Jos metropolis, Plateau State, and recommend solutions to reduce or eliminate
such incidents. A quantitative (descriptive) research design was employed, targeting site workers from three selected
construction companies in Jos metropolis. A sample size of 91 respondents was selected using a convenient
sampling method, with 85 valid responses. Data collection was conducted via questionnaires and analysed using
frequency tables and mean scores, the findings indicated a high frequency of building collapses in Jos metropolis,
with key causes including poor design, construction faults, substandard materials, improper construction methods,
foundation failures, ineffective supervision, and inadequate maintenance. Based on these findings, the study
suggests that members of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and the Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers
(NISE) should be actively engaged in the federal government’s efforts to raise awareness about building materials.
Furthermore, developers should designate materials engineers for large-scale construction projects.