CORBON Issues Urgent Building Maintenance Advisory to Prevent Collapse in 2026 Rainy Season
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has issued a critical national advisory, urging building owners, estate developers, facility managers, and the general public to implement robust maintenance control measures in structures to avert potential building collapses. This call to action comes as the country prepares for the 2026 rainy season, with forecasts indicating significant weather challenges that could compromise building integrity.
Preventive Maintenance as a Cost-Effective Strategy
Dr. Samson Opaluwah, President of CORBON, emphasized in the Council's 2026 rainy season advisory that preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs. He warned that common issues such as blocked drains, neglected roofs, and poor site management significantly increase the risk of flooding and structural failures. "As the statutory regulatory body for the building profession in Nigeria, CORBON hereby issues this national advisory to building owners, estate developers, facility managers, and the general public," stated Dr. Opaluwah. "The aim is to prevent avoidable losses and ensure the resilience and safety of the built environment during the 2026 rainy season."
Review of 2026 Seasonal Climate Predictions
CORBON has thoroughly reviewed the 2026 seasonal climate prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The forecasts indicate an early to normal onset of rains, extended rainy seasons in several states, above-normal rainfall in key regions, and severe dry spells in others. These conditions present heightened risks to buildings, infrastructure, and human safety across Nigeria.
Key risks identified for 2026 include:
- Longer-than-normal rainy seasons in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Taraba.
- Above-normal rainfall in Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- Severe dry spells in Oyo, Ogun, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara, which increase the likelihood of flooding, erosion, roof damage, foundation distress, and service disruptions to buildings.
Specific Maintenance Recommendations
CORBON has provided detailed guidelines to mitigate these risks. Building and estate owners are advised to focus on several critical areas:
Roof and Building Envelope: Repair loose roofing sheets, damaged trusses, and leaking joints. Clear roof gutters, ensure proper roof pitch, and reinforce flashing and waterproof membranes.
Drainage and Flood Prevention: Desilt gutters, downpipes, culverts, and estate drains. Re-grade surfaces to channel water away from buildings, install flood barriers in low-lying or flood-prone areas, and ensure foundations and structural safety by inspecting for cracks, settlement, and erosion.
Structural Safety Measures: Stabilize wet areas with laterite, gravel, or geotextiles. Check retaining walls for hydrostatic pressure buildup. Elevate generators and electrical panels above flood levels, waterproof external conduits and junction boxes, and test sump pumps while ensuring backup power availability.
Indoor Environment: Monitor dampness and indoor air quality, improve ventilation, and apply anti-mould coatings. Inspect basements and wet areas for moisture intrusion.
Landscaping and External Works: Prune trees and remove unstable branches, reinforce embankments in erosion-prone areas, and maintain permeable surfaces to reduce runoff pressure.
Call for Professional Guidance
Dr. Opaluwah strongly emphasized the need for professional guidance and inspections in implementing this advisory. "CORBON strongly encourages all property owners and estate managers to consult only registered builders certified by the Council," he said. This step is crucial to protect investments and safeguard communities from the devastating effects of building collapses and weather-related damages.
By heeding these recommendations, stakeholders can significantly reduce the risks associated with the upcoming rainy season, ensuring safer and more resilient built environments across Nigeria.
