Dangote to Launch Block Making Academy to Tackle Building Collapse: What to Expect

In response to the alarming frequency of building collapses seen throughout the country, Africa’s largest cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement is now making strides to establish a block-making academy for artisans, as reported by NAN. 

The primary objective of this initiative is to provide comprehensive support to block makers and artisans, equipping them with the necessary skills to produce bricks that comply with established quality standards.

Dangote to Launch Block-Making Academy

Mrs. Funmi Sanni, the National Sales Director of Dangote Cement, revealed at the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja that the company plans to establish a block-making academy. 

The decision is driven by the aging workforce of current block makers and the lack of interest shown in the trade by young people.

Mrs. Sanni emphasized the importance of combating quackery and emphasized the significance of imparting essential skills to artisans. Additionally, she highlighted that the company would extend support to artisans by providing them with the necessary tools to excel in their profession.

Another speaker at the conference was Mr. Aniki Ayodeji, the head of technical sales at the company, who pointed out that they already train artisans in the correct mixing techniques. On the sidelines of the summit, Festus Adebayo expressed that the company could play a significant role in alleviating the housing deficit in the country.

He said “If the Federal Government can partner with the Dangote Group in the area of road construction, why would it not partner with it to mitigate the housing deficit in the country?”  

What you should know

In 2022, Nigeria experienced approximately 61 instances of building collapse nationwide, with Lagos state being the epicenter, responsible for 48% of all such incidents in the country. 

Over the past decade, Nigeria has documented approximately 271 cases of building collapse, with Lagos alone accounting for 115 of these incidents.Building collapses were also frequently reported in other cities across Nigeria, including Onitsha, Port-Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan, Abuja, and various others.

The cause of incessant building collapse in Nigeria

Experts have listed several factors accountable for this phenomenon, encompassing a lack of regulation and supervision in the construction industry, defective foundations, and flawed building designs. Additionally, they have highlighted that the building’s environment, construction methods, and even its usage can contribute to the risk of building collapse.

At the beginning of this year, the Lagos state government, through the ministry of physical planning and urban development, identified more than 300 buildings in the state showing signs of distress and earmarked them for demolition.