“Blame Materials, Not Just Builders” — Engineer Adidas Disputes NIOB Over Abia Building Collapses

An Aba-based engineer, Engr. Udo Chinwendu Kingsley, popularly known as Engineer Adidas, has countered the position of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) on the recurring cases of building collapse in Abia State, arguing that the quality of construction materials plays a more decisive role than professional handling on site.

His remarks come after the NIOB, Abia State Chapter, renewed its call for stricter enforcement of building regulations and professional standards following the collapse of two buildings under construction in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area on June 20, 2026. The affected structures, located at New Jerusalem Road 8 and Eze Iheme Road in Mgboko, Umuette Okpulo Umuobo, collapsed at advanced stages of construction. No casualties were recorded.

While NIOB urged stronger regulatory enforcement and improved professional compliance in the construction sector, Engineer Adidas disagreed with the framing of the issue.

He argued that substandard building materials are a major driver of structural failures, stating that manufacturers are supplying products below required specifications.

“I disagree that the cause of building collapses is completely as a result of unprofessionals handling the projects, the building materials industries contribute 90 percent of these incidents.” He stated

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He specifically raised concerns about steel reinforcement rods, noting inconsistencies in gauge and quality despite market labeling. According to him, a 12mm rod currently sells between ₦8,500 and ₦9,000 per length, but the real issue is not cost but compromised specifications.

“The price is not the problem, but the gauge and quality are the main challenges,the building materials have lost gauge and quality.” He added

He explained that many builders unknowingly rely on substandard materials, which increases the risk of structural failure, especially in multi-storey buildings.

Engr. Adidas also criticized regulatory oversight, calling on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify monitoring of manufacturers to curb the circulation of inferior products in the market.

“SON should live up to expectations and checkmate the activities and productions of these manufacturing companies,weak enforcement and alleged corruption have undermined quality control in the sector” he said

He further urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works to investigate the building materials industry, warning that systemic failure in regulation poses a broader risk to construction safety nationwide.

His comments add a new dimension to the ongoing debate over building collapses in Nigeria, shifting attention from on-site construction practices to the broader supply chain of building materials.