Kunle Adelabu
The Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, who on Wednesday joined key stakeholders, industrial professionals and government officials at the third edition of the Building Sector Stakeholders Engagement (BSSE 3.0), has commended the Lagos State and the Federal Governments for the unified approach to building safety in the state.
Benson, who said that as council administrator, he and others have witnessed horrifying effects of building collapse, called the unified approach as timely and life – saving interventions.
The stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, aimed to address the root causes of Building Collapse in Nigeria, held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, with the theme, “Building Collapse in Nigeria: Addressing the Root Causes.”
The event marked the launch of the Certified Structural Integrity Programme, a key component of the National Building Safety and Structural Integrity Initiative (NBSSII). A landmark policy which mandates that every building in the state undergo structural testing every five years to ensure safety for habitation and public use.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who was Special Guest of Honour was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Again M.L. Before, and the event was hosted by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Hon. Benson, commending both the Federal and Lagos State Governments in a statement today, described it as: “A timely and life-saving intervention.
“As council chairmen, we witness firsthand the devastating impact of building collapse on families and communities. This collaboration sends a strong message that all stakeholders, from the Federal Government to local builders must take responsibility for safety.”
The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every building in the community meets the highest structural standards, pledging to align local initiatives with statewide safety measures. He encouraged residents in Imota LCDA to prioritise building safety by reporting weak structures and ensuring quality materials are used in construction.
The BSSE 3.0 also featured remarks from Lagos State officials, including the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, and the Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, who outlined plans to strengthen the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and reintroduce environmental sanitation officers (Wole Wole) for monitoring purposes.
In his keynote address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described building collapse as “a form of social violence” when caused by negligence, and called for the establishment of a National Building Tribunal to expedite prosecution of structural failure cases.
He revealed that between 2005 and 2022, Nigeria recorded over 180 building collapses, with Lagos accounting for more than 60%, stressing the need to shift from reactive responses to proactive prevention.
The governor identified poor materials, unqualified personnel, and weak oversight as key causes of collapses, and outlined measures including stricter building codes, regular structural integrity tests, demolition of unsafe structures, compulsory building insurance, and nationwide reforms to standards, inspections, and professional training.
