Gombe accepts engineering recommendations after Assembly complex canopy collapse
The Gombe State Government says construction of its ongoing House of Assembly complex will continue under tighter professional supervision after an investigation into a collapsed entrance canopy. COREN attributed the incident to temporary formwork and construction sequencing, while tests found the standing structure and materials technically adequate.
The Gombe State Government has pledged to implement recommendations from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) after the collapse of a reinforced-concrete cantilever entrance canopy at the ongoing State House of Assembly complex. Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau received the investigation report on behalf of the state and said the project would not be rushed at the expense of quality or safety. He said the government would study the recommendations and implement them fully.
COREN’s National Registrar, Okorie Austin Uche, said the collapse occurred on July 24, 2026, while fresh concrete was being placed on the canopy. The panel reviewed project documents, including structural designs, reinforcement details, concrete test results, construction procedures and temporary support arrangements. According to Uche, the consulting structural engineer was qualified, but the contractor had not engaged registered professionals, including engineers and architects.
The panel also found that the working drawings had not been approved by a relevant authority, although the structural design had been checked and sealed by the consultant. Uche identified the temporary formwork and construction sequence as probable contributing factors. He said the canopy was cast at once rather than progressively, placing significant demands on the temporary support system.
The registrar said tests showed that the concrete had adequate compressive strength and that the reinforcement bars were consistent with the structural drawings. Integrity testing also indicated that the standing structure was in good condition. COREN recommended that work continue only with qualified professionals, stronger supervision and adherence to approved engineering standards.
Jatau said lessons from the incident would be used to improve quality control and compliance across the state. Panel chairman Isyaka Lawan said the investigation took two months, partly because of the time needed to evacuate the collapsed structure.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.