BUILDING COLLAPSE IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA – A COMPARATIVE REVIEW.
Abstract
This study examines the incidences of reported building collapses in Anambra State, Nigeria from 2012 to September, 2025 and the attendant increasing loss of lives, properties and injuries. A comparison of the incidences of building collapse was also made between Anambra and the F.C.T – Abuja. Findings of this study revealed that Anambra State had since overtaken F.C.T following the rising incidences of building collapse in the last five (5) years to become the second state with the highest incidences of building collapse only after Lagos. The leading causes of building collapse in Anambra state were established to include Use of sub-standard building materials, structural failures, heavy Rainfall/flooding and unprofessional practices/violation of building approvals/regulations. A total of forty-eight (48) cases of building collapses were identified to have occurred in Anambra State as against thirty 30 that occurred in F.C.T from 2008 to 2024. The incidences of building collapse in Anambra State for the period led to the confirmed death of at least 57 persons and injury of at least 172 persons as compared to 64 deaths and at least 84 injuries in the FCT from 2008 to 2024. Recommendations were made in line with the observed leading causes of building collapse in Anambra State.
KEYWORDS: Building, Building Collapse, Incidence, Anambra, Death.
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