The Nation Newspaper

Tag: building collapse

  • Building collapse: Enough is enough

    Building collapse: Enough is enough

    SIR: Building collapses have become a recurrent phenomenon in Nigeria, with a frequency that is worrisome and alarming. Worrisome in that when it occurs, it comes with tragic consequences for the victims and their families.

    According to the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), a coalition of professionals in the built environment sector, the first incident of building collapse in Nigeria, which resulted in 27 deaths, was recorded in October 1974 in Oyo State. There have been numerous other incidents since then, including the tallest building collapse in Lagos on November 1, 2021, which killed 52 people. 

     Lagos, dubbed by an expert as “the building-collapse capital of Nigeria,” according to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria has in the last 12 years recorded about 90 building collapses, leaving more than 350 people dead. Recently, specifically on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, a four-storey building under construction collapsed at Oriwu Street, Lekki Phase One, resulting in the deaths of four persons, while many people were injured, prompting renewed call for investigation, and sanction on developers responsible for the ugly incident by BCPG and other stakeholders.

    Every building that collapses has a reason why it collapsed. That brings us to the question:  what are the causes of building collapse?

    Many and varied causes of building collapse are, but not limited to, corruption, hasty construction, use of unskilled labourers, design errors, ageing, and substandard building materials. These factors reveal a deep-seated problem in the way buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained in Nigeria.

    I think the situation is much more precarious than we are talking about, and I don’t know exactly how and when we are going to get the malaise behind us.

     Having identified the causes, I think the onus is on the government to ensure that the right things are done by property developers. There is a need for stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations to prevent building collapse, and to protect lives and properties.

    Read Also: Building collapse: Experts seek strict regulations, innovation

     We will continue to have building collapses as long as proper investigations are not carried out, and as long as people are not punished for their misdemeanour. Sanctions must be applied on developers responsible for building collapses. The government must enforce its laws; those who have been found wanting in the past must be punished. We must see the issue as a serious problem, and it must be treated as such. Enough is enough.

    It is very important for the government to ensure that certified professionals in the built environment sector are involved in building construction, and ensure that quality materials, in the specified quantity, are used too. That is how to sanitise the building construction sector. The government has a key role to play in all these.

    • Akano Olaposi Lagos
  • Lagos bans night construction to curb building collapses

    Lagos bans night construction to curb building collapses

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

    The announcement was made on Thursday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, in Alausa.

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

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    “The restriction order must be strictly adhered to by all 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 may be granted for work outside the approved hours, but only through formal applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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

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

  • Building collapse: Experts seek strict regulations, innovation

    Building collapse: Experts seek strict regulations, innovation

    The collapse of a three-story building in Ojodu-Berger in Lagos State in April has again ignited a debate about building safety and regulation. The incident, among others, has raised questions about enforcement of building codes, use of materials, and oversight of construction projects.

    Authorities have cited substandard materials, poor construction, illegal modifications, and lax enforcement of building codes as contributing factors.

    Lagos State Building Control Agency, which ensures compliance, has demolished unsound buildings, but recurring collapses suggest this is insufficient.

    Oluwatobi Ariremako, Business Development manager at Shalom Park Estate, argues that the crisis stems from a failure to adhere to building codes and a lack of robust regulatory oversight. “Building collapse is an indictment of the lax enforcement and lack of adherence to building codes,” he said. “At Shalom Park, we prioritise structural integrity, investing in geotechnical investigations, qualified structural engineers, and quality control. The Ojodu collapse highlights dangers of cutting corners, using substandard materials, and neglecting proper supervision. The government must intensify enforcement, conduct regular inspections, and hold developers accountable, while educating the public on engaging qualified professionals.”

    Oluwatoyin Fasanya, resident engineer at Shalom Park Estate, emphasised the need for proactive measures and the integration of technology to prevent future collapses. “While strict enforcement is vital, we must also embrace technological advancements,” Fasanya said. “This includes leveraging drone technology and advanced surveying equipment for site analysis and continuous monitoring. Digital platforms for building permits can enhance transparency and reduce bureaucratic delays that sometimes lead to developers circumventing regulations.”

    Ariremako further proposed investment in research and development of innovative building materials suited to Lagos’ unique environmental conditions. “Public awareness campaigns highlighting the risks of illegal constructions and modifications are also essential. The government, professional bodies, and the private sector need a multi-faceted approach combining stringent regulations, technological innovation, and public education.”

    Beyond the statements from Shalom Park Estate Staff, the urgency of the situation demands action from various stakeholders:

    Lagos State Government: Needs to drastically increase the capacity and effectiveness of LASBCA, ensuring adequate staffing, training, and resources for inspections and enforcement. Anti-corruption measures within LASBCA must also be prioritised to ensure impartial enforcement. Consider incentivising compliance through tax breaks or expedited permit processing for developers with a proven track record of adherence to building codes.

    Read Also: Non-compliance responsible for building collapse, says Lagos govt

    •          Professional Bodies (Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Architects, etc.): Must strengthen ethical standards and disciplinary measures for members found to be complicit in substandard construction practices. They should also play a more active role in educating the public about the importance of engaging qualified professionals.

    •          Construction Companies: Need to prioritise safety and quality over profit margins. This includes investing in proper training for workers, using high-quality materials, and adhering strictly to building codes.

    •          Homebuyers and Renters: Must become more informed about building safety and demand transparency from developers and landlords. This includes requesting documentation of building permits and structural integrity assessments.

    The collapse in Ojodu-Berger serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of negligence and systemic failures within the construction industry. The lives and livelihoods of Lagos residents hang in the balance, demanding a collaborative and decisive response from all stakeholders to build a safer and more resilient urban environment. Only through rigorous enforcement, innovative solutions, and a commitment to ethical practices can Lagos hope to avert future tragedies and ensure the safety of its citizens.

  • Two rescued in Lagos building collapse

    Two rescued in Lagos building collapse

    Two persons have been rescued after a three-storey building collapsed in Lagos.

    The building said to be under construction, caved yesterday afternoon at 4, Agarawu Street, Lagos Island.

    The victims were said to have been trapped when the building collapsed and were only extricated from the rubble by emergency workers who rushed them to the hospital.

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    Confirming the incident, the Lagos Police Command said no life was lost.

    Spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, said the site had been cordoned off by responders, adding that there was calm in the neighbourhood.

    He said the relevant agencies would probe the cause of the collapse.

  • Two killed, five injured in Lagos building collapse

    Two killed, five injured in Lagos building collapse

    Two persons have been confirmed dead and five injured after a two-storey building collapsed in Lagos.

    The incident occurred at Mega Mall Estate, Mobile Road in Inikpa Villa, Ikota, Ajah.

    According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), a distress call was received that the building which was under construction, caved-in.

    NEMA’s Lagos Office Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the immediate cause of the collapse was still unknown.

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    He said the deceased were an adult and a teenager, adding that rescue operation was still on at the site.

    Farinloye said the rescued individuals, all men, sustained serious injuries and have been moved to the hospital.

    “Information indicates that more people are likely trapped in the rubble. Search and rescue operation is ongoing. Investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of collapse,” said Farinloye.

  • Engineers step up campaign against building collapse

    Engineers step up campaign against building collapse

    Civil engineers, under the aegis of Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Ibadan branch, have stepped up campaign against building collapse in Oyo State and Nigeria.

    Speaking in Ibadan during a walk against building and infrastructural collapse tagged: ‘Say No to Building Collapse, Build Right and Build Safe’, the Ibadan branch Chairman of the association, Dr. Adekunle Olaoye, noted that the association said no to building collapse because it could be stopped.

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    He said: “Building collapse is a manifestation of errors in the handiwork of man and it can be avoided. This is why we are advocating, telling people, particularly the people of Ibadan today, even people all over Nigeria that while we are saying no to building collapse, people should engage professionals.

    “We are seven in the built environment, namely architects, engineers, builders, land surveyors, quantity surveyors, town planners and estate valuers. We are all there.”

    The National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Mr Tokunbo Ajanaku, said: “The menace of building and infrastructure collapse in Nigeria has become too frequent for our comfort.’’

  • JUST IN: Two die, five injured in Lagos building collapse

    JUST IN: Two die, five injured in Lagos building collapse

    Two persons have been confirmed dead and five injured after a two-storey building collapsed in Lagos.

    The incident occurred at Mega Mall Estate, Mobile Road in Inikpa Villa, Ikota, Ajah.

    According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), a distress call was received that the building which was under construction, caved-in.

    NEMA’s Lagos Office Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the immediate cause of the collapse was still unknown.

    He said the deceased were an adult and a teenager, adding that rescue operation was still on at the site.

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    Farinloye said the rescued individuals, all men, sustained serious injuries and have been moved to the hospital.

    “Information indicates that more people are likely trapped in the rubble. Search and rescue operation is ongoing. Investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of collapse,” said Farinloye.

  • Engineers, others sensitise residents on building collapse

    Engineers, others sensitise residents on building collapse

    The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Lagos chapter and the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, at the weekend took to the streets  with a walk titled: “Say No To Building and Infrastructure Collapse,” to sensitise residents of the state on how to avoid building collapse.

     Chairman of  NICE, Engr. Faith Oko-Ukoni and the General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, Engr. Olayinka Abdul led  the walk.

     National chairman of NICE, Engr. Tokunbo Ajanaku, urged members to continue to fight against building collapse.

    He said NICE is committed to sustaining the advocacy and stepping it up to shaping policy and ensuring containment of the menace of building collapse.

    Oko-Ukoni said they embarked on the walk to sensitise members of the public on how to  ensure that the state is free of building and infrastructure collapse.

    She stressed the need for all Nigerians to build right, build safe and use the right professionals to avoid building collapse.

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    “We know that building collapse cannot be totally abolished, but we can reduce it. After today’s exercise, we hope we will be able to talk to someone to. We are advocating for the right professionals to build our building and infrastructure,” she said.

    The chairman noted that more advocacy, awareness, and programs are in the pipeline to ensure that people are educated on the need to get the right people for their building projects.

    Abdul emphasized the need to engage the right professionals for building projects from beginning to the end.

    She added that all building protocols must be observed.

    She encouraged Nigerians not to pick people at random for their building projects, saying that there are so many intricacies in building systems and that once all the processes and systems are strictly adhered to, building collapse would drastically reduce.

  • SON blames non-adherence to standards for building collapse

    SON blames non-adherence to standards for building collapse

    The Director-General, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Ifeanyi Okeke yesterday blamed non adherence to standards and codes of practice in the construction process for the unfortunate cases of building collapses, endangering lives, loss of property and damaging public trust.

    He stated this at a one-day stakeholders forum on building industry in Abuja, adding that even though the country has made substantial progress, the complex issues of quality, durability, multiplicity of purpose and long-lasting sustainability, poor construction practices, quackery, unprofessionalism and inadequate or lack of proper soil testing will continue to be issues to be resolved.

    Okeke said the platform brings together industry experts, government representatives and private sector stakeholders to the same table, to consider different issues or ideas to closely and carefully learn nature and relationships.

    The building sector is fundamental to any nation’s growth, as it underpins economic development, societal stability and infrastructure expansion, he said.

    Read Also: Enough is enough

    The DG said SON cannot achieve these goals all alone. “We are committed to working with other government agencies, professional associations, industry leaders and international partners to evolve a cohesive approach to tackling quality and safety issues,” he said.

    The President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) S.Z Abubakar encouraged SON to always engage stakeholders in its processes and urge all stakeholders including regulatory bodies, professional bodies, trade unions among others to cooperate with SON to ensure that the built environment’s codes and standards are robust.

  • On incessant building collapse

    On incessant building collapse

    Sir: Incessant building collapse, to say the least has become a source of concern and embarrassment to Nigerians. More embarrassing is that buildings are collapsing across the country in quick succession, giving the impression that there are no professionals and that there is no regulatory body in place.

    Causes of building collapse include, but not limited to influx of substandard building materials into the market-leading to incessant complaints and defects in buildings, non-implementation of the National Building Code, soil investigation not carried out, and use of wrong foundation type on varying soils. 

    Other causes include failure of regulatory authorities to ensure compliance to permits and approvals, negligence or non-involvement of professionals in building and construction process.

    There is no better way to prevent building collapse outside the coming-together of all building professionals- architects, engineers, builders, estate surveyors and valuers-to ensure approvals are adhered to and also to certify every stage of a building project. This way, it would be easy to know when a developer is cutting corners or compromising on regulatory permits and approvals.

    Qualified builders or contractors on building projects should be adequately supervised by the architect and engineer throughout the construction period. The estate surveyor and valuer is key to the process. In most instances, he acts as a consultant to the property owner, and as an intermediary between other professionals and the property owner, until the final two stages in construction which are the disposition and maintenance stage.

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    The pre-construction stage in the life of a building involves establishing a performance model for the building, and this is an essential pre-requisite for the proper and effective management of that building, including its maintenance. Since the materials used during construction are usually not purchased or supplied at once, a standard benchmarking needs to be done. This involves identifying, at the early stages, the most appropriate procurement system to be adopted through the construction phase.

    The estate surveyor and valuer ensures that only approved materials are used as component input in the construction. A compromise in the standard would affect the fabrics and component maintenance requirement in future, during construction therefore, he enforces specifications in order to avoid future maintenance issues.

    An architect without the guidance and direction of a maintenance expert trades functionality for aesthetic. Buildings that are designed without the maintenance implication in mind suffer functional defect from the start.

    To avoid this, the estate surveyor and valuer would work hand in hand with the architect by communicating the future maintenance consequence of building design to him. This helps the architect integrate maintenance implications into his design and prevent buildings from collapsing.

    •Adeyemi Moses Adeolu,Lagos.