The Senate has called for stiffer punishment for violations of construction and building codes in Nigeria to contain the growing cases of building collapse.
This resolution was reached on Wednesday in Abuja as senators debated the collapse of Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State.
The school, which collapsed on July 12, 2024, claimed the lives of 22 students and members of staff, while over 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
In his lead debate, Senator Diket Plang recalled how the incident altered the lives of many parents, families, and the Plateau State government.
Contributing to the motion, Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) suggested drastic actions against building collapses not just in Plateau but across Nigeria.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, condoled with the family of the deceased, and Plateau State over the collapse of the Saint Academy building in Jos.
In addition to observing a minute’s silence in honor of the dead, the lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief to Plateau.
The senators also called on federal government agencies to move to Jos to offer medical care to the victims.
They recommended stiff penalties for anyone involved in violating building regulations.
