Rebuttal: Strategies to Stop Future Building Failures in Nigeria.

A more proactive approach is required to genuinely prevent these incidents, even while investigations and penalties are essential following a catastrophe like the collapse of the Jos building. This is a response to the Minister’s assertion that emphasizes preventative actions:

1. Professional Empowerment, Not Just Culprit Punishment:
   Pay attention to skilled experts: While investigations are necessary, it’s crucial to make sure that only certified surveyors, engineers, and architects work on building projects. The Ministry can impose more stringent licensing requirements and registration requirements.
   Education and training: To identify and stop subpar building practices, fund training courses for inspectors and construction workers.

2. Establishing a Safety Culture: Implementing and revising building codes Strict enforcement of the National Building Code is required, as are unambiguous sanctions for infractions. It is essential to update frequently to reflect new materials and methods.
   Campaigns for public awareness: Inform the public on the value of building permits, hiring qualified experts, and reporting questionable construction methods.
   
3. Fortifying Enforcement Systems:
   Independent inspections: Implement a system that allows for independent inspections at every stage of construction, not only at the conclusion. This can spot problems early and fix them.
   Responsibility to all parties involved: Hold inspectors, contractors, and developers responsible for adhering to construction codes. Establish a system of penalties for infractions, including possible license suspensions.

4. Giving Collaboration and Transparency Priority:
   Open investigations: To discourage future carelessness, make sure investigations are transparent and that the results and repercussions are made available to the public.
   Multi-agency cooperation: To guarantee better communication and coordinated enforcement, the Ministry should collaborate closely with local authorities, NEMA, and professional associations.
   Creating a More Secure Future:

The Ministry can adopt a more comprehensive strategy to preventing building collapses by concentrating on these preventive actions in addition to investigations. This will honor the memory of those died in avoidable tragedies and give Nigerians piece of mind knowing their buildings are safe.

Author: Paul Okoh