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Nigeria Records 135 Building Collapse Incidents, Between 2022 and 2024

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Nigeria Records 135 Building Collapse Incidents, Between 2022 and 2024

Nigeria recorded 135 building collapse incidents resulting in at least 26 deaths between 2022 and 2024, according to a report by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG). The most recent incident occurred in Kubwa, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

BCPG is a professional organization in Nigeria dedicated to preventing building collapses and promoting safe and sustainable building practices nationwide. It comprises experts in building construction, architecture, engineering, and related professions.

The troubling trend of building collapses has raised significant concerns about the safety and integrity of structures across the country. BCPG notes that the first recorded building collapse in Nigeria occurred in October 1974 in Oyo State, resulting in 27 deaths. Notably, the tallest building collapse in Lagos on November 1, 2021, claimed 52 lives.

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In 2022, Nigeria recorded 62 building collapse cases, with Lagos accounting for 20 incidents. The following year, 2023, saw 52 collapses, with Lagos again leading with 17 incidents. As of 2024, there have been 17 recorded building collapses, with Lagos having five, Anambra three, and Kano, Niger, and Plateau each having one.

Investigations by BCPG revealed that professional ineptitude, including excessive loading, use of substandard materials, faulty design, poor workmanship, and weak foundations, significantly contributed to these collapses. The frequent occurrence of building collapses has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations to prevent such incidents and protect lives.

Dr. Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, has called for sanctions on developers responsible for the recent collapses in Abuja, following three collapses in three days. Dr. Opaluwah criticized government negligence in enforcing laws and regulations, demanding thorough investigations and punishment for those found culpable.

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“This collapse, unfortunately, has continued to happen, especially in urban centers where professionals and professionalism should be upheld to the highest standards. In all the published reports and investigations done by the FCT, we have not seen any advertised punishment for those found wanting,” Dr. Opaluwah stated.

He insisted that accountability is essential, stating, “Every building that collapses has a reason why it collapsed. If the reason is human error, that error has to be addressed. If it was due to negligence, poor conduct, or misbehavior, then there should be punishments and sanctions. And that is what we stand for as a council. We stand for punishing culpable individuals.”

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Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings

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Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings

Supermarket chain Iceland has filed a trademark application for its well-known “King Prawn Rings,” urging rival supermarkets to stop selling similar products. Iceland, headquartered in Flintshire, claims it has faced increasing imitation since introducing its prawn rings in 1991.

In a bold open letter shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Iceland called out major competitors Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, and Asda, accusing them of selling “copy crustaceans.” The letter cheekily asserted, “The King Prawn Ring is ours, and we won’t be letting you off the hook.”

Lidl humorously responded, “Here was us thinking it was a classic 1970s party dish.”

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Iceland’s letter, signed by “Iceland Foods,” warned other retailers to cease selling prawn rings, especially ahead of Christmas. The chain emphasized its intent to pursue legal action if competitors don’t comply, declaring, “Our lawyers are more than ready to dive into legal waters.”

The prawn ring battle has sparked social media buzz, with consumers eagerly watching how rival supermarkets will respond to Iceland’s trademark claim.

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Boeing Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer Despite 30% Rise, Union Says

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Boeing Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer Despite 30% Rise, Union Says

The union representing striking Boeing workers has stated that its members are not interested in the company’s latest pay proposal, which includes a 30% raise over four years. According to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a survey revealed overwhelming dissatisfaction with the offer, labeling it as “inadequate.”

This rejection follows Boeing’s new “best and final” offer, which also included a performance bonus reinstatement, improved retirement benefits, and a one-time $6,000 signing bonus. The company set a deadline for the deal to be ratified by union members by midnight on September 27.

However, IAM criticized Boeing for sending the offer directly to workers and the media without consulting union leaders and stated that the time frame was insufficient to organize a proper vote. Boeing has denied the union’s claims and said it would allow more time and provide support to facilitate the vote.

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China Unveils Bold Measures to Revive Economy Amid Growth Concerns

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China Unveils Bold Measures to Revive Economy Amid Growth Concerns

China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has launched a significant package of measures aimed at revitalizing its struggling economy. PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng announced plans to lower borrowing costs and allow banks to expand lending to stimulate economic activity.

With recent economic data raising concerns that China may miss its 5% growth target this year, the central bank will cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR)—the amount of cash banks must hold in reserve—by half a percentage point, releasing around 1 trillion yuan ($142 billion) into the economy. Additional cuts may follow later in the year.

The package also addresses China’s property market crisis by cutting interest rates for existing mortgages and reducing minimum down payments for all homes to 15%.

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Asian stock markets responded positively to the news, seeing a boost after Mr. Pan’s announcement, which came during a rare joint press conference with officials from two other financial regulators.

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