NIStructE president Elegba calls for climate-smart engineering to address building collapse
The scourge of building collapses in Nigeria has been attributed to poor structural design, lack of proper supervision, poor foundation and soil conditions, climate change, and the use of substandard
The scourge of building collapses in Nigeria has been attributed to poor structural design, lack of proper supervision, poor foundation and soil conditions, climate change, and the use of substandard building materials.
Speaking at his investiture ceremony in Lagos yesterday, the newly inducted President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NIStructE), Dr. Taiwo Elegba, an engineer, in an exclusive interview with The Nation, regretted that despite efforts by professional in the industry, the desired outcomes in the built environment have not met expectations, which he insisted, has necessitated the need for a shift in approach to doing things in the sector.
He said, “If you keep doing things the same way, you will keep getting the same results, so there is a need for a paradigm shift in how we do things. We must begin to minimise our contribution to climate change right from the design stage, especially now that future engineering solutions would require optimising materials such as steel and concrete to reduce waste and emissions.”
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This, he explained, is why the Institution is now prioritising reforms that will transform how structural engineering is practised across the country.
Outlining his plans to further reposition structural engineering in the country, Dr. Elegba said emphasise will be placed on a strong focus on climate-responsive design, improved analytical methods and continuous professional development.
A key part of his agenda is strengthening continuous professional development among engineers to keep pace with evolving global standards, particularly in response to climate change. He emphasised that the construction industry contributes significantly to carbon emissions, noting that every structural component, from beams to foundations, impacts the environment.
The newly inducted NIStructE President also highlighted the need for more advanced analytical methods in structural design, noting that improved data-driven approaches would help engineers achieve efficient material usage without compromising safety.
He further pointed to the global trend of regulating carbon emissions, warning that Nigeria is likely to align with international standards that impose limits across industries, including construction and transportation.
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Dr. Elegba stressed that structural engineers must take the lead in preparing for these changes, as infrastructure design decisions made today will determine environmental outcomes in the future.
On his expected legacy, he said his goal is to establish a clear pathway for integrating climate-conscious practices into Nigeria’s structural engineering sector, noting that while developed countries are making rapid progress, Nigeria must not be left behind.
“We design the infrastructure that shapes society. We must ensure that what we build today meets the demands of tomorrow,” he said.
The investiture marks the beginning of a tenure expected to focus on innovation, sustainability, and raising professional standards within the engineering community.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Engr. Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, represented by Adeoye Thomas, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, guest speaker Prof. Afolayan Joseph Olasehinde, Engr. Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, among others.
The event also featured the launch of the Nigeria Seismic Design Guidelines (NSDG 2026), which provides standards for the design of earthquake-resistant structures in the country.
