HIGHLIGHTS ON THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF NIGERIA
Background and Purpose
• Initiated in 1987 by the defunct National Council of Works and Housing; workshops in 1989 (ASCON, Badagry) and 1990 (Ijebu-Ode) shaped the first draft.
• Formally re-presented at the 2nd National Council on Housing and Urban Development (2005), leading to the 2006 edition.
• The Code was developed to address poor planning of cities, incessant building collapse, fire disasters, quackery, use of substandard materials, and weak regulation.
• Aim: Establish minimum standards for pre-design, design, construction, and post-construction stages of buildings to ensure safety, quality, and professionalism.
Structure of the Code
1. Part I – Administration
o Sets out definitions, scope, and applicability of the Code.
o Establishes the Building Code Advisory Committee (BCAC), under the Minister of Housing & Urban Development, responsible for periodic review and oversight.
o Provides clear interpretations, definitions, and abbreviations of building terms.
2. Part II – Technical (Professionals)
o Building Design Classifications: Categorizes buildings into Use Groups A–L, e.g. Assembly, Business, Educational, Industrial, High Hazard, Institutional, Mercantile, Residential, Storage, Mixed Use, Utility.
o Building Construction Classifications: Provides technical standards for fire safety, structural integrity, materials, and occupancy.
o Defines responsibilities of registered professionals (Architects, Engineers, Builders, Surveyors, etc.) in all stages.
3. Part III – Enforcement
o Divides the building process into four regulated stages:
Pre-Design Stage – planning, approvals, environmental and safety assessments.
Design Stage – adherence to professional standards and safety codes.
Construction Stage – site supervision, materials quality control, and health & safety compliance.
Post-Construction Stage – building use certification, maintenance standards, and inspections.
o Establishes the role of the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO).
4. Part IV – Schedules and References
o Provides supporting documents, data, tables, and approved forms linked to the Code.
o Incorporates referenced standards such as National Fire Safety Code and others.
Key Provisions
• Minimum Standards: All buildings must comply with minimum requirements for safety, durability, and habitability.
• Certification: No building can be occupied without a Certificate of Use and Habitation issued by enforcement officers.
• Fire Safety: Detailed fire hazard classifications and preventive standards.
• Accessibility: Public buildings must make provisions for the physically challenged.
• Zoning & Planning: Integrates urban and regional planning laws, requiring development permits and compliance with zoning regulations.
• Professional Accountability: Only registered professionals may prepare, design, and execute building works.
• Prohibition of Quackery: Prevents use of non-professionals and untested materials.
• Maintenance: Every building must have a Building Maintenance Manual.
• Enforcement: State governments are encouraged to adopt the Code into their laws for effective local implementation.
Significance
• Provides a national benchmark for building standards in Nigeria.
• Aims to reduce building collapse, fire outbreaks, and disasters.
• Encourages professionalism, quality assurance, and compliance across the industry.
• Promotes safety, accessibility, and sustainable urban development.
Close
