The recent tragedy of a collapsed billboard in Aba, which tragically claimed lives and destroyed property worth millions, serves as a stark and painful reminder of a pervasive issue in Nigeria: the alarming prevalence of shoddy workmanship and the devastating consequences that follow.This incident, reportedly due to inadequate concrete casting and undersized reinforcement rods, begs a critical question: Who supervised this work?
Unfortunately, this Aba disaster is not an isolated event. Many Nigerians can recount frustrating experiences with artisans and even some self-proclaimed engineers who resist adherence to proper standards. There’s a disturbing trend where demanding quality and adherence to specifications is met with resistance, gaslighting, and attempts to persuade clients to accept subpar work. For individuals who aren’t firm in their resolve, the temptation to “let it slide” can be strong, only for them to suffer dire and often irreversible consequences later.
This cavalier attitude towards structural integrity and safety is unacceptable. Whether it’s a massive billboard, a building, or any other construction project, compromising on fundamental engineering principles and building codes is a recipe for disaster. Lives are at stake, and the economic toll of such collapses is immense, setting back individuals and communities.
The Urgent Need for Oversight and Professionalism
The Aba billboard collapse highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and a renewed commitment to professionalism within the Nigerian construction industry. While specific details of the Aba incident are still emerging, it underscores the critical role of qualified supervisors and regulatory bodies. Every project, no matter how big or small, requires meticulous attention to detail during planning, execution, and supervision.
This means:
1.Rigorous Inspections: Independent and qualified inspectors must regularly assess projects at various stages to ensure compliance with approved designs and safety standards.
2.Accountability: Individuals and companies responsible for approving and executing substandard work must be held accountable for their negligence. This includes legal repercussions and professional sanctions.
3.Public Awareness: Property owners and clients need to be empowered with knowledge about acceptable construction practices so they can confidently demand quality and identify red flags.
4.Professional Ethics: Engineering and artisan bodies must enforce stricter codes of ethics and professional conduct among their members, emphasizing the paramount importance of public safety.
The time for grumbling and accepting “wack thoughts” on quality is over. The cost of such complacency is simply too high. We must collectively demand that jobs are done rightly, with no apologies for insisting on safety, durability, and professionalism. Only then can we prevent future avoidable horrors and build a nation where infrastructure stands as a testament to quality, not a monument to negligence.
