Amidst the troubling surge in building collapses across Nigeria, Africa’s largest cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement, is making a significant move to tackle the issue head-on.
According to a report by NAN, the company is planning to set up a block-making academy to train artisans in producing bricks that meet quality standards.
The National Sales Director of Dangote Cement, Mrs. Funmi Sanni, revealed the company’s intention during the Africa International Housing Show in Abuja.
She emphasized that the academy’s goal is to equip block makers and artisans with the necessary skills to produce durable and safe construction materials.
This move comes in response to concerns about the ageing workforce of current block makers and the lack of interest shown by young people in the trade.
The academy aims not only to train artisans in the right mix but also to provide them with essential tools and support to thrive in their profession.
The company’s head of technical sales, Mr. Aniki Ayodeji, highlighted that Dangote Cement already conducts training for artisans to ensure they have the required expertise.
He questioned; “If the Federal Government can partner with the Dangote Group in the area of road construction, why would it not partner with it to mitigate the housing deficit in the country?”
Experts have pointed out various factors contributing to the alarming number of building collapses in the country, including poor regulation and monitoring in the construction industry, faulty foundations, and building designs.
Additionally, the building environment, construction methods, and usage of buildings can also play a significant role.
Nigeria experienced approximately 61 incidents of building collapse in 2022, with Lagos state being the epicenter, accounting for 48% of all cases.
Over the past decade, the country witnessed around 271 building collapse incidents, with 115 of them occurring in Lagos alone.
Other cities such as Onitsha, Port-Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan, and Abuja have also faced similar challenges.
