Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has said that the recurring cases of building collapse in the state should not be blamed solely on the government, stressing that developers, property owners, construction professionals and occupants all have a shared responsibility to ensure that buildings are safe.
Speaking on the persistent challenge of structural failures in Lagos, Wahab said the state government has continued to strengthen regulatory oversight through routine inspections, enforcement actions and the identification of distressed buildings. However, he noted that many building collapse incidents could have been prevented if all stakeholders complied with existing safety regulations and official directives.
According to the commissioner, government agencies regularly inspect buildings, identify structures that pose safety risks and issue notices requiring owners or occupants to carry out repairs, evacuate or demolish unsafe buildings. He said problems often arise when such directives are ignored or when developers proceed with construction in violation of approved plans.
Wahab explained that some developers alter approved building designs, add extra floors without obtaining fresh approvals or use substandard construction materials, practices that significantly increase the risk of structural failure.
He also expressed concern that some occupants return to buildings that have already been sealed or declared unsafe by the authorities, despite repeated warnings about the dangers involved. He said such actions undermine the government's efforts to protect lives and property.
The commissioner emphasised that building safety begins long before construction starts, requiring proper planning, approval of designs, engagement of qualified professionals and strict adherence to engineering and construction standards throughout the building process.
His comments come amid renewed public concern over recent building collapse incidents in Lagos, which have prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and greater accountability within the construction sector.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly maintained that it is committed to reducing structural failures through regular monitoring of construction activities, enforcement of development control regulations and the demolition of buildings found to be defective or structurally distressed.
Wahab said the state would continue to strengthen enforcement against individuals and organisations that violate building regulations, adding that no amount of government intervention can completely eliminate building collapses without the cooperation of those directly involved in property development and management.
He urged developers to comply with approved building plans, employ qualified architects, engineers and builders, and avoid compromising standards in pursuit of financial gain. He also encouraged residents to promptly report buildings showing visible signs of structural distress to the relevant authorities instead of waiting until disaster strikes.
According to the commissioner, preventing building collapses requires a collective commitment from government regulators, construction professionals, developers, landlords and tenants. He stressed that only through strict compliance with building regulations and responsible construction practices can Lagos significantly reduce the frequency of structural failures and safeguard lives and property.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state's determination to continue enforcing environmental and building safety laws while calling on residents to support government efforts by prioritising safety and complying with all directives issued by regulatory agencies.
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