Leadership Insight: Use of Tech in Mitigating Building Collapse via Strategic Project Management

In recent years, Lagos, Nigeria, has experienced a series of devastating building collapses, resulting in tragic loss of life and property.

These incidents highlight critical safety concerns within the construction industry and necessitate a reevaluation of project management practices from inception to completion.

As the CEO and Project Manager of Abacus Lead Services Limited, a leading construction and project management firm, I assert that strategic project management, supported by technological tools, is essential for addressing these persistent challenges and ensuring the safety and sustainability of both residential and commercial buildings in Nigeria.

The Role of Project Management in Preventing Building Collapse  

Effective project management is fundamental to the success of any construction project. It goes beyond merely meeting deadlines and budgets; it ensures that every facet of the building process planning, design, execution, and inspection is carried out with precision, safety, and compliance.

Comprehensive Planning and Risk Mitigation Every successful project begins with a robust plan. Utilizing project management tools such as Microsoft Project or Trello, teams can conduct detailed feasibility studies, structural assessments, and site evaluations before construction begins.

These tools help identify potential risks and challenges early on, allowing for proactive rather than reactive solutions.

By anticipating issues, we significantly reduce the likelihood of safety breaches or structural failures.

Adherence to Industry Standards and Regulations Project management plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with local and international building codes.

This involves the use of regulatory compliance software like ComplyAdvantage, which helps track adherence to standards, ensuring that all materials used and practices followed meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks.

Coordinating efforts among stakeholders—contractors, engineers, and architects—enhances alignment with these standards.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring Ongoing monitoring and quality control are vital components of effective project management.

Advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Drones can be employed to oversee the integrity of design and construction elements.

These tools enable teams to visualize potential issues and address structural weaknesses before they become costly or hazardous.

Cost and Resource Efficiency While cost-cutting is often cited as a reason for substandard construction, effective project management ensures efficient resource allocation without compromising quality. Utilizing tools like Asana or Smartsheet allows project managers to monitor budgets and resource distribution closely, maximizing value for clients while maintaining safety and durability.

Collaboration and Expertise Successful construction projects are the result of effective collaboration among various professionals, including architects, engineers, surveyors, and contractors.

Project management platforms like Basecamp or Slack facilitate communication and accountability among all stakeholders, ensuring that each party is aligned with the project’s safety, functionality, and design goals.

Building A Safer Future with Accountability and Expertise 

The increasing incidents of building collapses in Lagos serve as a poignant reminder of the need for rigorous oversight and a commitment to professional project management across the industry. Each failure underscores the necessity for tighter controls and a culture of accountability.

As a project manager, my team and I recognize the immense responsibility we hold within the construction sector.

We are committed to prioritizing safety, quality, and sustainability in every project we undertake. Our clients can trust that we will leverage the latest technologies and best practices in our pursuit of excellence.

Leading the Charge for Change 

The future of construction in Nigeria hinges on a collective effort to enforce standards and embrace transparency throughout the building process. While the losses from recent collapses are irreplaceable, we can learn from these events by ensuring that future projects are executed with the utmost care and precision.

As leaders in construction and project management, we can prevent further tragedies by implementing the right systems and technologies.

Together, we can create a future where Nigerian buildings stand as a testament to our shared progress and resilience.

*Eyitayo Ogunfusika is the CEO & Project Manager Abacus Lead Services Limited