by Raliat Adenekan

The Nigerian Senate has called for stiffer penalties for violation of construction and building codes in the country in a bid to contain the growing cases of collapsed buildings.

The Senate’s resolution was reached in Abuja as senators debated a matter of urgent public importance on the collapse of Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State, on July 12, claiming the lives of 22 students and members of staff, while over 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Sen. Diket Plang who moved the motion, recalled how the sad incident altered the lives of many parents, families and the government of the state, while Sen. Adamu Aliero and Sen. Adams Oshiomhole called for drastic actions taken against Developers of collapsed buildings.

In addition to observing a minute’s silence in honour of the dead and lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief to the victims and medical assistance for the affected victims.