Asian Basic and Applied Research Journal

Every well-designed building should have adequate strength, it should meet the spatial needs of the occupants and also be aesthetically pleasing. The level of infrastructural development of a nation or society is largely evident in the number of well-designed buildings. Nigeria as a nation has suffered a devastating proliferation of building failures that resulted in a total collapse. This study attempts to evaluate the major causes of building failure in Nigeria by reviewing investigations carried out regarding this problem. The study identified some of the causes as: The use of sub-standard building materials, poor workmanship, engagement of unqualified professionals, lack of proper supervision, corruption, absence of proper site investigations, faulty designs, non-adherence to building codes and regulations, poor maintenance culture, interference by clients and the miss-use of buildings. Therefore, based on these causes, the study recommends ways that this menace could be mitigated which involves the commitment of all the stakeholders in the building industry. All professionals in the built environment have roles to play in the construction of buildings and they are expected to handle their respective obligations with due diligence. Policy makers need to ensure that all relevant authorities properly plan, supervise and monitor all building projects ensuring that buildings are built in accordance to approved designs, detailed specifications, planning codes and regulations. By doing so, the society is assured of the stability of its buildings.