Gombe pledges stronger supervision after COREN reviews Assembly canopy collapse

Gombe State Government has pledged to implement engineering recommendations and strengthen supervision of construction at its House of Assembly complex after an investigation into a collapsed entrance canopy.

Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau made the commitment while receiving the report of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. The council recommended that construction could continue subject to closer supervision and the engagement of qualified professionals.

COREN registrar Okorie Austin Uche said the canopy collapsed on July 24, 2026, while fresh concrete was being placed. He identified the temporary supports and the sequence of construction as probable contributing factors, rather than announcing a conclusive finding on responsibility.

According to Punch’s account of the report, Uche said the canopy had been cast at once instead of progressively in stages, placing substantial demands on the temporary support system. The panel reviewed drawings, structural designs, reinforcement details, concrete test results and the arrangements for supporting the work during construction.

Uche said the consulting structural engineer was qualified, but the contractor had not engaged the relevant registered professionals, including engineers and architects. He also said working drawings had not received approval from the relevant authorities, although the structural design had been checked and sealed by the consulting engineer.

The registrar said tests of the concrete and reinforcement indicated that the standing structure was technically adequate. Those findings supported continuation of the project, subject to stronger professional supervision; they did not establish that construction could proceed without conditions.

Jatau said the government would study and implement the recommendations and would not sacrifice quality or safety to complete the project quickly. Punch cited a statement issued on Saturday by Jack Tasha of the deputy governor’s office.

The investigative panel said its work took two months, partly because of the time needed to remove the collapsed structure.

Sources: Punch, Peoples Gazette