T. S. Fawale

Building collapse remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s construction industry, resulting in significant loss of lives, injuries, and economic setbacks. Despite the existence of regulatory frameworks such as the Nigerian Building Code and the activities of monitoring agencies, incidences of structural failure continue to occur. In Edo State, although regulatory compliance efforts have shown improvements in recent years, isolated collapse events such as the 2024 three-storey building failure in Benin City highlight the need for a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of quality assurance mechanisms. This study investigated the influence of quality assurance mechanisms in mitigating building collapse incidences in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the quality assurance mechanisms available for collapse prevention, identified the factors influencing their effectiveness, and assessed their overall level of effectiveness. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 268 construction professionals, of which 200 were validly completed and returned, representing an 84% response rate. Descriptive statistics and the Mean Item Score (MIS) technique were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that a broad range of quality assurance mechanisms are considered essential in mitigating collapse, with Quality Control Plans and Checklists (MIS = 4.10) and Defect Liability Period and Snagging (MIS = 4.09) ranked highest. Supply-chain challenges, weak regulatory enforcement, economic constraints, and poor procurement practices were identified as the most critical factors influencing QA effectiveness. The assessment of QA performance further showed that Continuous Monitoring and Feedback Loops (MIS = 4.54) and Mock-ups/Prototype Works (MIS = 4.53) were perceived as the most effective tools for collapse prevention. The study concludes that preventing building collapse requires an integrated and multi-layered quality assurance framework supported by strong regulatory enforcement, improved material control, enhanced professional supervision, and capacity development. It recommends strengthening regulatory institutions, adopting digital QA tools, improving supply-chain transparency, and implementing continuous professional training to enhance construction quality and safeguard public safety in Edo State.

This study examines the use of visual communication tools for safe work practices in construction sites in Benin City. The research explored three objectives; Assessing the level of use of visual communication tools for safe work practices on construction sites, investigating the challenges affecting the use of visual communication tools for safe work practices and examining the effects of visual communication tools on safe work practices in Benin City, Edo State. All three objectives used the mean item score as the method of analysis. The target population for this research comprises stakeholders and participants directly involved in the construction industry within Benin City, Edo State. These include professionals such as architects, engineers, builders, health & safety officers and quantity surveyors. A total of 169 questionnaires were filled from an anticipated sample size of 300. The study revealed that the level of use of visual communication tools varies considerably across construction projects in Benin City. Among the tools assessed, Safety Signs and Symbols (MIS = 4.72) ranked the highest, followed by Colour-Coded Labels (MIS = 4.51) and Floor Markings (MIS = 4.40). The most significant challenge was Limited Budget (MIS = 4.52), followed by Management Indifference (MIS = 4.32) and Lack of Training (MIS = 4.20). The strongest effects of visual communication tools on safe work practices were, Improves Hazard Recognition (MIS = 4.67), Enhances Compliance with Safety Rules (MIS = 4.41), and Reduces Accident Frequency (MIS = 4.29). Generally, the study concludes that visual communication tools play a crucial role in promoting safety culture on construction sites, and their integration especially digital innovations should be strengthened through better funding, management commitment, and worker training.

The persistent shortage of skilled labour has emerged as a critical challenge to the Nigerian construction industry, undermining its ability to deliver projects within the planned time, cost, and quality parameters. This study investigates the extent and nature of skilled labour shortages in Benin City, Edo State, with four main objectives: to determine the availability of skilled labour, identify the major causes of the shortage, assess its effects on project performance, and recommend strategies for mitigation. A survey research design was employed, targeting Architects, Builders, Engineers, Quantity surveyors and Project
managers. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered, and 127 valid responses were analysed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, particularly mean item score and ranking, to establish the priority of issues identified under each objective. Findings revealed that the availability of skilled labour in the study area is low, with migration of skilled workers (Mean = 4.40), inadequate training (Mean = 4.20), and poor working conditions (Mean = 4.10) emerging as the most critical causes. Lesser causes include technological changes (Mean = 2.80) and limited career advancement opportunities (Mean = 2.70). The shortage significantly impacts project performance, with the most severe effects being project delays (Mean = 4.50), cost overruns (Mean = 4.30), and reduced quality standards (Mean =4.00), while increased supervision costs (Mean = 2.90) and difficulty meeting safety
standards (Mean = 2.80) are of lower concern. In addressing the problem, respondents ranked improved vocational and technical training programmes (Mean = 4.60), better welfare and working conditions (Mean = 4.40), and the adoption of modern construction technologies (Mean = 4.20) as the most effective strategies. Less-favoured measures included the
xii importation of foreign skilled labour (Mean = 2.70) and short-term outsourcing (Mean =2.50). The study concludes that sustainable solutions must focus on long-term workforce development, competitive employment conditions, and the integration of appropriate technologies. These measures, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve workforce capacity, enhance project delivery, and strengthen the competitiveness of the construction industry in Benin City and other similar contexts