The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Tuesday blamed structural failures in construction industry to faulty designs and poor-quality materials.

Mrs Margaret Oguntala, the NSE President, said this during a public lecture and induction of new members to mark the 2025 Engineering Week in Damaturu.

“Faulty designs and poor-quality materials are major causes of structural failures.

“Stakeholders must prioritise adherence to standard practices to avoid delays, cost overruns, or outright collapse,” she said.

Oguntala, who was represented by Mr Usman Tijjani, the NSE’s vice president, said that the safety concerns and long-term economic implications were paramount to the society.

She, however, described the theme, “Construction and Other Related Engineering Infrastructures,” as timely.

The president pointed out that the ongoing construction of Damaturu’s first flyover, was a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to infrastructural development and engineering excellence.

Oguntala, however, cautioned that such ambitious projects come with inherent risks, if not properly designed, funded, and executed.

According to her, flyovers and bridges require thorough structural integrity assessments, accurate soil testing, proper design, and quality control of concrete grades, bearings, expansion joints, and pile configurations in order to ensure durability and safety.

“Flyovers are capital-intensive and require adequate budgetary provisions. Without this, projects risk stalling midway, becoming liabilities rather than assets,” she said.

The president also called on the engineers, contractors, and government agencies involved in such critical infrastructure to uphold the ethics and standards of the profession.

“Pay close attention to technical details such as soil bearing capacity, concrete strength, design load, and environmental impacts.

“Only then can we ensure the flyover in Damaturu is safe, efficient and beneficial to the public,” she added.

Earlier, Mr Aliyu Sabo, the NSE Chairman, Damaturu Branch, said the 2025 Engineering Week was designed to promote excellence in engineering practice, sensitise the public to quality project execution, and foster ethical standards in the profession.

“This public lecture is the first in a series of activities, including visits to engineering-related organisations, project sites, orphanages and hospitals.

“We shall conclude with a dinner and award night,” he said.

The chairman also paid tribute to the late Mr Jibrin Umar Kortoni, a former Director-General, Ministry of Lands and Survey and past chairman of the NSE branch, for his immense contributions to the development of the Damaturu Secretariat of the Society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 17 new members were inducted into the society during the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed