Nigerian Seismic Design Guidelines

The Nigerian Seismic Design Guidelines (NSDG-2026) provide a practical framework for incorporating seismic considerations into the design of structures within the Nigerian context.

Developed by the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, this document reflects a proactive approach to improving the safety and resilience of the nation's built environment.

By promoting sound engineering practice and aligning with global standards, the NSDG-2026 contributes to the development of safer, more resilient and sustainable infrastructure in Nigeria.

• Structural Engineers
• Consulting Engineers
• Contractors and Developers
• Regulatory Authorities
• Academic and Research Institutions

This is a paid publication, and each copy is prepared for one named reader rather than handed out as a shared file. Three things happen when you buy:

1. Your copy is encrypted with a password of its own. The password is generated for your purchase alone and shown to you once the payment clears, along with a copy by email. No other buyer has it.
2. Your copy carries a serial number. It appears on the licence page at the front and in the footer of every page, next to your name and email address. The serial is recorded against your order in our records.
3. Printing stays on, copying and editing do not. You can read the PDF and print it for your own use. Text extraction and document modification are switched off, and screen readers are still allowed through so the document stays accessible.

1. Licence. Your purchase grants one named individual a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to read, store and print this publication for their own professional use. The licence is granted to the person named on the licence page and to no one else.

2. What you may do. Keep copies on devices you personally control. Print for your own reference. Cite and quote the publication in professional work, with attribution to the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers.

3. What you may not do. Share, forward, publish, upload, sell or otherwise distribute the file or your password. Remove, obscure or alter the licence page, the footer, the serial or any security measure. Use it on behalf of an organisation without a licence for each user.

4. Your copy is uniquely identified. This copy carries the serial shown on the licence page and in the footer of every page, and that serial is recorded against your name and email. Any copy found in circulation can be traced back to the purchase it came from.

5. Multiple users. Firms needing several copies should buy a licence per user. Contact the secretariat for volume arrangements.

6. Breach. The Institution may revoke a licence found to be in breach, without refund, and may pursue remedies available in law.

7. Refunds. Because delivery is immediate and each copy is built individually for its buyer, sales are final once the file has been issued. If a payment succeeded but no file was delivered, contact the secretariat and it will be issued or refunded in full.

8. Data. Your name, email and purchase details are held to fulfil the order, support you afterwards and identify the licensee of each copy, in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

9. Governing law. These terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Seismic Design Guidelines (NSDG-2026) are published for guidance. They are not a substitute for the exercise of professional engineering judgement, nor for compliance with the National Building Code, any applicable Nigerian Standard, or the requirements of the regulatory authority having jurisdiction over a given project.

Responsibility for the design of any structure rests with the engineer of record. The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, its officers, members and contributors accept no liability for any loss, damage or cost arising from reliance on this publication.

Site-specific seismic hazard, ground conditions and structural configuration vary. The recommendations here are general and must be assessed for suitability on every project.

The Institution may revise these Guidelines. Confirm you hold the current edition before relying on it.