Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sidi, yesterday identified abuse and distortion of building and town planning plans as some of the factors contributing to building collapse.

He lamented that many Nigerians flagrantly circumvent building regulations, adding that there is a need to adequately enlighten the public on town planning, building and environmental management.

He spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a workshop organised by the Minna operations office of the agency.

The Director General, who spoke through the Coordinator of Minna Operations office, Mr. Slaku Luggard, said non-compliance with building plan constitutes danger to environment and increases the risk of disaster.

"The abuse and distortion of building and town planning regulations such as building or farming on waterways, erecting toxic and dangerous structures or carrying out dangerous activities in proximity to where humans live, among others, increase the impact of disaster," he said.

He suggested a review of existing laws with a view to addressing challenges posed by climate change.

"Climate change is contributing to disasters and most of the existing laws need to be reviewed to suit the changing trend in urbanisation and development," he said.