NEWS
Abia State Govt Makes Soil and Geotechnical Tests Mandatory for Building Permits to Strengthen Structural Safety
The Abia State Government has introduced mandatory soil and geotechnical testing as prerequisites for obtaining building permits in the state capital, in a major policy move aimed at improving structural safety, preventing building collapse, and protecting the lives and property of residents.
The new directive was announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
Prince Kanu explained that the policy forms part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring that every building erected within the state capital is designed and constructed in accordance with the characteristics and bearing capacity of the soil on which it stands.
According to the commissioner, the measure is intended “to ensure that buildings are designed and built in line with soil capabilities and constructed on verified and strong foundations to improve structural safety as well as prevent building collapse.
“Mandatory soil and geotechnical testing are now prerequisites before building permits are granted in the state capital.
“Going forward, if you must obtain a building permit, you must have a soil test and geotechnical test certificate. This is to ensure that going forward, buildings are designed and built in line with soil capabilities and constructed on verified and strong foundations to improve structural safety, prevent building collapse, and protect lives and property,“ Prince Kanu said.
Beyond the new building permit requirement, Prince Kanu highlighted several ongoing interventions by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) aimed at improving urban infrastructure and tackling flooding across Umuahia, particularly during the rainy season.
He disclosed that the UCDA has intensified the desilting of drainage channels along flood-prone roads to enhance the free flow of stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding in affected communities.
According to him, areas currently benefiting from the desilting exercise include Adelabu Street drainage, Shoprite to Uwalaka Street, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church Ndume Road, Church of Christ, and Finbarrs Road.
Responding to questions from journalists on the recent building collapse along Finbarrs Road, Umuahia, as well as previous incidents recorded in the state, the General Manager of the UCDA, Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, revealed that the judicial panel established by the Abia State Government to investigate the causes of the building collapses has completed its assignment and is expected to submit its report to Governor Alex Otti soon.
He assured members of the public that the findings of the panel would be made public immediately after the governor receives the report, in line with the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Mr. Agomuo further disclosed that the state government has significantly strengthened its regulatory framework to prevent future building failures, including the establishment of a Structural Integrity Testing Laboratory that will scientifically assess the safety and stability of buildings across the state.
He added that the UCDA had already identified a number of buildings with structural defects and commenced enforcement actions against owners, stressing that both the two-storey building on Crowther Street and the structure on Finbarrs Road that eventually collapsed had been sealed by the authority before the incidents occurred.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Hon. Ferdinand Ekeoma, declared that the state government would no longer tolerate negligence or violations of building regulations.
He warned that owners of substandard structures would face decisive action, emphasizing that the building which collapsed on Finbarrs Road had been sealed by the UCDA two weeks before the incident.
According to him, the unfortunate collapse further underscores the importance of strict compliance with regulatory directives designed to safeguard lives and property, as the government intensifies efforts to enforce building standards and promote safer urban de
velopment across Abia State.