The Nation Newspaper

Tag: building collapse

  • Three-storey building collapses in Abuja

    Three-storey building collapses in Abuja

    A three-storey building on Saturday collapsed in the Life Camp area of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Life camp Division, mobilised a rescue team to the scene, upon receiving a distress call and cordoned off the area, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Development Control Department, Zeberced Construction Company, and Julius Berger Construction Company.

    Read Also: Keyamo mocks ADC coalition, calls their tactics ‘expired 419 formats’

    According to a statement yesterday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, about 4am yesterday, the teams extricated a Nigerien, Aliyu Salisu, 27, who was in the rubble for close to 10 hours for treatment.

    “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao S. Adewale, who was at the scene to oversee the rescue operations, commended the timely and professional response of both NEMA and FCTA Development Control officials as well as other Service Commanders who were on ground with their men, members of the community,’’ Adeh added.

  • JUST IN: One rescued as three-storey building collapses in Abuja

    JUST IN: One rescued as three-storey building collapses in Abuja

    A three-storey building collapsed on Saturday evening in the Lifecamp area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, prompting an emergency rescue operation.

    Responding to a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Lifecamp Division quickly mobilized a rescue team to the site.

    The area was cordoned off as a coordinated rescue effort began, involving the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), officials from the FCT Administration’s Development Control Department, Zeberced Construction Company, and Julius Berger Construction Company, supported by multi-agency patrol and enforcement teams.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that 27-year-old Aliyu Salisu, a citizen of Niger Republic, was rescued from the debris around 4 a.m. on Sunday—nearly ten hours after the collapse.

    Read Also: Hotel building collapses in Edo, kills owner as 20 workers escape death

    He was the only person trapped in the rubble and has since been taken to Cedar Crest Hospital in Gudu for evaluation and treatment. According to Adeh, he is currently responding well to medical care.

    The statment said, “On 2nd August 2025 at approximately 6:15 PM, the FCT Police Command received a distress call reporting the collapse of a three-storey building in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.

    “At about 4:00 AM on 3rd August 2025, rescue teams successfully extricated Aliyu Salisu, a 27-year-old male and citizen of Niger Republic, the lone victim who had remained trapped in the rubble for close to ten hours of life saving operation. He was immediately rushed to Cedar Crest Hospital, Gudu, for medical evaluation and comprehensive medical care. He’s currently responding to treatment.

    “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, who was personally at the scene to oversee the rescue operations, commended the timely and professional response of both NEMA and FCTA Development Control officials as well as other Service Commanders who were on ground with their men, members of the Community.

    “The Command urges residents to remain vigilant and to report emergencies or suspicious incidents to the Command’s Control Room via: 0803 200 3913, 0806 158 1938”.

  • Building collapse: Ekundayo raises alarm over standards of iron reinforcement

    Building collapse: Ekundayo raises alarm over standards of iron reinforcement

    Special Adviser/Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery in Ekiti State, Engr. (Dr.) John Ekundayo, has raised concerns over the diminishing standards of iron reinforcement in the country.

    Ekundayo made this known during a project monitoring inspection of the ongoing EKSUTH 80-Bed Hospital Project in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital .

    The Special Adviser lamented what is currently being sold in the market as 16mm and 12mm iron roads appear to be of lesser thickness than previously used ones.

    He noted that this  could pose serious risks to public infrastructure and may be responsible for building collapses across the country.

    He called on the Standard Organization of Nigeria and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to urgently investigate and address the matter.

    Ekundayo commended the collaborative effort of the electrical, mechanical, and structural teams and lauded the quality of work done so far.

    He explained that the project which has reached first floor stage with landscaping preparation already underway and billed for completion by February 2026 reflects Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s irrevocable commitment to uplifting the health sector in the state.

    Ekundayo emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in project execution, particularly in infrastructure projects like hospitals.

    He stressed that the government would not compromise on quality and safety in any project.

    The OTSD inspection team included: Mr. Adetunji Aribasoye, the Senior Special Assistant, Monitoring & Evaluation; Mr. Toba Fatunla; the Special Assistant on Service Delivery, Mr. Kehinde Ogunyemi, Personal Assistant to the SA/DG; and Mr. Kunle Omoniy, Director of Finance and Accounts.

    Others are Mr. Kunle Adenijo, Principal Executive Officer I; Mr. Bamidele Adejoro, Principal Executive Officer I.

  • Building Collapse: Construction engineers urged to embrace govt policies, regulations

    Building Collapse: Construction engineers urged to embrace govt policies, regulations

    Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako has charged professional building construction engineers to stand firmly in fighting against unprofessional practices leading to building collapse in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

    He made this appeal while delivering a lecture as guest speaker at the annual lecture of the University of Lagos’s   (UNILAG’s) Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Environmental Sciences at the institution’s Julius Berger Auditorium.

    He called for stiffer regulations, better enforcement of existing laws, and increased accountability among professionals in the construction industry.

    In his welcoming address, Chairman Local Organising Committee, Dr Sesan Ogunyemi, said the workshop was aimed at providing lasting solutions to the issue of incessant building collapse, which has led to loss of productive lives and properties, and the intractable housing shortage being experienced in the country.

    The educative event was organised in conjunction with Adron Homes and Properties. The event, that has its lecture topic as “Recurring Building Collapse in Lagos: The challenge of regulatory oversight and constructional practices” was chaired by the former Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (MAPOLY), TPL Alhaji Waheed Kadiri. 

    The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola was ably represented by Prof. Mike Adebamowo; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, President, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), TPL Bisi Adedire; Ogun State Commissioner for Physical and Urban Development, TPL Tunji Odunlami; Director-General National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Prof. Ayo Omotayo; Head of Department, Urban and Regional Planning, Associate Professor, Dr Taofeek Salau; other Academicians and students.

    TPL Salako said building collapse could stem from a multitude of interconnected factors, including faulty design, poor construction practices, inadequate site investigations, use of substandard materials, corruption, failure to test materials before use, non-adherence to standards and regulations, unqualified professional and overloading.

    Read Also: Expert outlines strategies to prevent building collapse

    He further explained that lack of proper regulatory oversight, poor workmanship, and insufficient maintenance, no geotechnical or sub-soil investigation, illegal approval and insufficient regulatory supervision, incorrect demolition process, changes in usage and unlawful conversion of structures also contribute greatly to structural failures.

    TPL Salako added that the Lagos State Government is set to launch a new Building Code to address structural failures and urban planning challenges and codes to regulate construction practices, ensure compliance with safety standards and certified Accreditors Programme (CAP).

    Highlighted some non-compliance to the policies, he said: “Failure to obtain permits or ignoring building control measures can lead to sealing or demolition of the property; Legal prosecution or fines; loss of investment due to lack of documentation and denial of Certificates of Occupancy or financing options.

    Delivering his goodwill remarks, the Group Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, called for accountability across the building sector. He described building collapse as a “tragedy that has become so rampant in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, saying the disasters are not acts of fate but direct results of human negligence, greed, and systemic failure.

    “Buildings do not collapse by accident. They collapse because somewhere along the chain of planning, approval, construction, or supervision, individuals choose to compromise,” he stated firmly.

    TPL Bisi Adedire on his part commended the department for sustaining the intellectual platform which has consistently addressed some of the most pressing Urban development issues confronting the cities.

    He said the association would always align with any discourse that’s vital to improve physical planning systems, strengthening regulatory institutions and promoting integrity in construction practices.

    TPL Adedire called for strengthening institutional oversight; promoting continuous training and certification; encouraging a culture of professional integrity; training the artisans and reviving and upscaling technical schools.

    Dr Salau said the purpose of the gathering was to continuously acquaint the professional and the young generations about the best practices of building a reliable house and other structures.

    “I believe this lecture would go a long way in reshaping the construction practices in the country,” Dr Salau added.

  • JUST IN: Many injured as building collapses in Lagos

    JUST IN: Many injured as building collapses in Lagos

    Several individuals have been hospitalised following the overnight collapse of a building along Adeniji Adele Road in Isale Eko, Lagos Island.

    The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, triggered a swift emergency response from officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Nigerian Police, and other rescue agencies.

    According to updates from LASTMA’s verified X handle, victims trapped under the debris were successfully rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Building collapses in Ibadan

    “There is a report of an overnight collapsed building along Adeniji Adele road, at Isale Eko. LASTMA personnel, other emergency responders, and men of the Nigerian Police Force are on the ground. Traffic flow is currently not affected… Victims rescued from the building have been taken to the hospital for treatment,” the agency stated.

    While the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site, which has since been cordoned off for safety.

    To ease movement in the area, LASTMA announced a temporary traffic diversion: “Our officials have diverted traffic from Zenith back through Oba’s Palace to make use of Enu Owa to their various destinations.”

    Although the official cause of the collapse has not been determined, structural failures and the ageing nature of buildings in the area remain a known concern. Emergency teams continue to work at the scene as investigations unfold.

  • Expert outlines strategies to prevent building collapse

    Expert outlines strategies to prevent building collapse

    Experts in the building and construction industry have outlined strategies to prevent building collapse and optimise growth in the sector.

    Managing Consultant/ Head of Projects, Wilmeb Nigeria Limited, Rita Bolusemihi, said the lack of collaboration among built environment professionals, improper material specification, overlooked construction realities and underrating load assumptions are key factors causing building collapse.

    Bolusemihi, an architect, made the remarks at the Business Day Sustainable Building Conference with the theme: ‘Sustainable Practices and Financing Solutions for the Nigerian Construction Sector’ in Lagos.

    She noted that architects often finalise designs without early, detailed input from structural engineers, pointing that this lack of coordination can result in load paths being poorly considered, especially in complex cantilevered or irregular forms.

    She said: “Architects and consultants should work closely with contractors and site engineers early in the design phase to understand limitations and integrate practical construction methods.”

    Rita Bolusemihi further noted that if loads are underestimated, the building may not be strong enough to handle real-world conditions, increasing the risk of structural failure or collapse.

    On overlooking construction realities, she said design safety could be compromised when architects do not account for on-site construction limitations or potential deviations, especially with unskilled labour or informal contractors.

    Read Also: Why building collapse may continue, by experts

    “This means failing to align the design with the skills, tools, materials, and site conditions available during construction,”  sfe said

    She added: “Architects have the unique position of shaping sustainability narratives early in the building lifecycle.

    She also said this would help elevate architectural consultants in sustainable development, advocating Mandatory Green Certification, Incentivised Green Codes that offer tax incentives, Consultant Empowerment through Contracts, Professional Capacity Building and Local Standards Development.

    She said local materials and smart design are the future, noting that Compressed Earth, Bamboo, and Interlock Blocks Offer Eco-Friendly Alternatives

    “Sustainable buildings improve health and reduce long-term costs, stating that green architecture is achievable with local resources and policy support.

    “To enhance safety and sustainability in Nigerian construction, architectural consultants should be empowered through mandatory design-phase collaboration, while the Government should help architects with policy-backed authority to enforce sustainable choices, and widespread adoption of circular design principles, “ the expert said.

  • Building collapse guild canvasses proactive infrastructure inspections

    Building collapse guild canvasses proactive infrastructure inspections

    The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Niger State Chapter, where the worst flooding in Nigeria in the recent times occurred has come up with a field assessment after a visit.

    In a statement signed by their 3 officers namely, Chairman, Engr. Nasir Illo, General Secretary, Ibrahim Shittu and Public Relations Officer, Sheshi Mohammed Raba, they stated that their field assessment  revealed extensive devastation, characterised by significant damage to infrastructure and a profound loss of life. They noted that over 580 buildings – predominantly mud houses were completely destroyed, adding  that the National Emergency Management Agency latest data, 161 lives were lost as a result of the disaster.

    Preliminary investigations to the disaster the Guild suggested a combination of factors that include   unusually and intense rainfall according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

     The Report partly said the excessive water was reportedly impounded by a railway track dyke/ embankment, which gave way under pressure, unleashing a high-velocity flood that swept through homes, culverts, and roads, leaving widespread destruction in its path.

    The level of destruction we witnessed in Mokwa is heart-wrenching and demands our immediate attention. The sheer number of homes flattened and lives lost underscore the urgent need for proactive, preventive measures to avoid such catastrophes in the future, the statement added.

    Read Also: National Assembly mulls extension of 2024 budget capital vote

     ‘While the rainfall was a natural event, the failure of critical infrastructure significantly worsened the impact. The floodwaters from the Mokwa town discharged into River Niger through the tributary River Dingi at Rabba Village, barring backflow’.

    BCPG stressed that as a result of the tragic consequences of both human and material losses the Federal and Niger State Governments as a matter of urgency should provide immediate humanitarian assistance and commence full-scale rehabilitation for affected communities.

    Others are that the Nigerian Railway Corporation should undertake a comprehensive technical review and reinforcement of railway infrastructure, especially dykes and culverts, to ensure resilience against future extreme weather events.    

    Urban Planning and Development Authorities to revisit and strengthen building regulations in flood-prone areas, prioritising the use of durable materials, effective drainage systems, and safer siting while

    Environmental and Hydrological Agencies should carry out detailed hydrological studies, improve land use planning, and implement robust flood early warning and emergency response systems.

    The statement said the disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of our communities in the face of climate-related events, and the critical need for resilient infrastructure that can withstand such pressures.

    They also asked that State and local governments should enhance their disaster response mechanisms through well-defined operational protocols, capacity building, and dedicated funding. Climate adaptation strategies must be mainstreamed into all stages of infrastructure development and emergency response planning to ensure long-term resilience they added.

    BCPG asked for post-disaster technical evaluations to be institutionalised as a core part of Nigeria’s disaster risk management framework. In addition they asked that findings from these assessments must directly inform policy reform, institutional strengthening, and continuous capacity development across relevant sectors.

  • Death toll in Lagos building collapse rises to three

    Death toll in Lagos building collapse rises to three

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has recovered three dead bodies in the building that collapsed at Ikorodu on Tuesday.

      The Nation learnt the deceased were  a man aged 74 and two siblings who were aged 18 and 12.

    Read Also: FG to equip 12 universities with high-fibre internet, 24-hour electricity

    LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, also said the three people that trapped under the collapsed building had been recovered dead.

    He added that nine adult males were also rescued and attended to by the LASEMA Pre-Hospital Care Unit.

  • Three rescued in Lagos building collapse 

    Three rescued in Lagos building collapse 

    Three persons have been rescued from a two-storey building which collapsed yesterday afternoon in Mushin, Lagos.

    The building  under construction on Isaga Road, opposite the Idi Araba Central Mosque, whebb it caved in, trapping workers under the rubble.

    Emergency services were mobilised, following distress alerts received at 3:40 p.m.

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that its response team from the Cappa base arrived at the scene by 3:56 p.m. and started search and rescue.

    Read Also: 15 missing UTME candidates found in Imo, reunited with families — Police

    Although the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, officials say efforts were underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    So far, one individual has been rescued alive from the debris. No fatalities have been reported at the time of this report, though operations are still ongoing.

    According to a preliminary report by LASEMA, the site has been cordoned off. The agency’s excavator has been deployed to assist in the rescue.

    At the scene were personnel of LASEMA’s Response Team, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

  • Lagos bans night construction to avert building collapse

    Lagos bans night construction to avert building collapse

    Lagos State government has banned construction at night, restricting building to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays.

    Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, announced this yesterday in Alausa.

    Olumide said the restriction became necessary to protect the environment, reduce building collapse, and promote public health and well-being.

    READ ALSO: Eight Africa’s oldest countries and their rich histories

    “The restriction order must be strictly adhered to by those involved in building construction in the state as relevant. government agencies would enforce compliance,” he said.

    While the state is firm on the new rule, the commissioner added that concessions might be granted for work outside the approved hours, but only through approved applications.

    “However, concession to work outside these hours could be granted, subject to formal application that would be treated on its merits,” he emphasised.

    Residents have been urged to report any construction site violating the order.