The Role of Geoscientists in Construction to Address Building Collapse in Nigeria
In his address at the 59th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) in Jos, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, the President of the NMGS, underscored the imperative of integrating geoscientists into every construction project in Nigeria to combat the escalating occurrences of building collapses in the country. Recognising the multi-disciplinary nature of the construction sector, Olatunji emphasized the urgent need for the involvement of specific professionals.
Olatunji identified the prevalence of quackery and the underutilisation of relevant professionals as a significant challenge in the construction sector. He highlighted the essential role of engineering geologists in conducting pre-construction soil tests to ascertain the suitability of the soil for construction and the necessary foundation type to support the proposed structure.
To avert further loss of lives and property due to collapsed buildings, roads, and bridges, Olatunji stressed the criticality of integrating the expertise of engineering geologists in pre-construction investigations. Drawing on best global practices in developed countries, he advocated for the active involvement of engineering geologists in evaluating the physical properties of sub-surface rocks and soils to determine their suitability for construction purposes, as well as the types and placements of foundations.
Moreover, Olatunji advocated for the comprehensive application of geoscience knowledge to enhance Nigeria’s water sector. Despite the abundance of surface and groundwater resources, Nigeria has yet to provide sufficient potable water for its citizens or sustain adequate water resources for year-round agricultural activities. The yearly devastation caused by flooding and heavy reliance on groundwater extracted from boreholes for water supply were also lamented.
The unregulated extraction of groundwater has led to environmental implications, transforming the water drilling sector into an uncontrolled activity. Olatunji stressed the cruciality of fully harnessing geoscience knowledge to sustainably exploit groundwater resources and address the challenges confronting the water sector.
The theme of the conference, “Emerging Global Perspectives, Trends and Sustainable Development of Minerals and Energy Resources”, signals the importance of addressing these issues through the integration of geoscientists’ expertise into Nigeria’s construction and water sectors.
In conclusion, the integration of geoscientists into construction projects is vital in addressing the epidemic of building collapses in Nigeria. By leveraging the knowledge of engineering geologists and fully deploying geoscience expertise, the country can markedly enhance the construction and water sectors, ensuring sustainable development and the safety and well-being of its citizens.
