Experts demand audit of collapsed Gombe Assembly building

Built environment professionals have called for a comprehensive technical audit of the construction site of the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex following the collapse of a section of its cantilevered entrance canopy, which claimed the life of one worker and left seven others injured.

Arewa PidomNigeria reports that the experts, drawn from engineering and architecture, said beyond determining the immediate cause of the incident, the investigation should strengthen safety standards and prevent similar occurrences on future public projects.

Speaking on the development in an interview with Arewa PidomNigeria, a member of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Suleiman Abba, stressed the need for an independent technical assessment of the project.

According to him, “Every structural failure must be professionally investigated. A comprehensive structural and construction audit should be carried out to establish the actual cause of the collapse, whether it relates to design, materials, workmanship, construction methodology or supervision.

“The findings should guide corrective actions and help prevent a recurrence,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abba urged all stakeholders to refrain from speculations until experts complete their investigations, noting that engineering failures require scientific analysis rather than assumptions.

Also commenting, another reputable member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria,  Engr. Musa Achindo, said the incident underscored the importance of strict compliance with engineering standards and regulatory procedures.

He called for a thorough review of all stages of the project, including design approvals, construction processes, quality assurance measures and site supervision.

“This unfortunate incident should serve as an opportunity to reinforce compliance with professional standards. Every aspect of the project should be carefully examined to identify any gaps and recommend measures that will enhance safety on construction sites,” Achindo said.

On his part, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects,  Arc. Mustapha Adamu, advocated a multidisciplinary investigation involving architects, structural engineers, builders, quantity surveyors and other relevant professionals.

He said public infrastructure projects require collaboration among professionals throughout the design and construction stages to guarantee structural integrity.

“A detailed forensic audit of the collapsed section should be undertaken.

Lessons learned from the investigation should be incorporated into future projects to improve quality assurance, risk management and public confidence in government infrastructure,” Adamu insisted.

As though responding to these experts call, the Gombe State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Danladi Adamu, the government confirmed that eight workers were involved in the collapse, with one fatality and seven others sustaining injuries.

According to the statement, five of the injured workers are receiving treatment at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, while two others are being managed at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.

The statement added that Governor Muhammadu Yahaya had been briefed on the incident and he expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.

“The Governor expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and directed that all injured workers receive comprehensive medical care at government’s expense,” the statement stated in part.

It added that the governor had directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, alongside relevant emergency, regulatory and technical agencies, to immediately commence established safety and accountability procedures.

The government further directed the contractor handling the project and the supervising consultant to submit a formal incident report within 24 hours, the statement continued.

“The contractor and the project consultant have been directed to submit a Formal Incident Report within twenty-four (24) hours, to be followed by a Preliminary Investigation Report and, subsequently, a comprehensive technical report with findings and recommendations,” the statement further emphasised.

The government assured residents that the outcome of the investigation would determine the next course of action.

“As the investigation is underway, the government will allow the established facts to guide all necessary decisions and actions. Appropriate measures will be taken in line with the outcome of the investigation and applicable standards,” the statement assured the public.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety, quality and engineering standards in the execution of public infrastructure projects, assuring the public that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.