The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse of a students’ hostel in Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) on Friday.
In a statement issued to journalists by the governor’s Chief press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor on Saturday, in Abakaliki, he highlighted that most issues like that arise from misconduct of engineers and their inability to adhere to construction codes.
He urged them to take correction and ensure that building collapse becomes a thing of the past in Nigeria just as he expressed displeasure over the FUNAI incident.
While he also urged relevant bodies and agencies to ensure close monitoring and supervision of building projects from foundation to completion, he revealed that the Ministry of Capital City Development already received his directives to probe future building plans for approval before commencement.
He stated; “It is disheartening to hear about building collapse in this era when we have skilled manpower and well established professional standards.
“I have directed the Ministry of Capital City Development to ensure that any developer wishing to embark on building projects must get approval. Lives of our people are precious and cannot be compromised under any guise.
“The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Building and other regulatory agencies should note that their integrity is at stake. Therefore, I urge them to ensure that building collapse becomes a thing of the past in this country.
On Friday, a viral video showed moment a three storey building housing students in Alex Ekwueme Federal University collapsed to the ground.
Students would later cry out that their properties were trapped/destroyed following the collapse.
They also shared that they had just renewed their house rents ranging 300k and above.
In reaction, governor Nwifuru pledged to ensure that anyone found culpable in the FUNAI incident after the investigation would face the law.
He concluded by advising prospective developers to always engage professionals in the execution of their building projects.
