In the wake of a devastating building collapse that occurred at Alakija, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area in June, which claimed eight lives, built-environment stakeholders have called for tougher enforcement of construction standards and regular inspections to prevent further tragedies. According to Tribune Online, the call was made at a conference organized by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG).
The BCPG, comprised of professionals from various disciplines within the built-environment sector, expressed concerns over the lax enforcement of construction standards in Lagos State. They emphasized the need for increased regulation to ensure that buildings are constructed safely and meet the necessary standards.
‘Regular inspections are crucial to ensuring compliance with the regulations,’ said the President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Tpl. Bola Adeleke, who was a panelist at the conference. ‘We need to ensure that buildings being constructed in Lagos meet the minimum standards and are safe for occupation.’
According to Adeleke, the collapse of the four-storey building at Alakija underscores the importance of adhering to construction regulations to prevent such tragedies.
Other stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors, echoed similar sentiments. They called for stricter enforcement mechanisms, increased penalties for non-compliance, and regular inspections to ensure that buildings in Lagos are safe for occupation.
The demand for tougher enforcement and regular inspections comes at a critical time, as Lagos State continues to grapple with a housing deficit of over 2 million units. The state’s population is projected to reach 25 million by 2030, necessitating the construction of additional housing units to accommodate the growing population.
The call for increased regulation in the built-environment sector is not new, and stakeholders have long advocated for stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure that buildings meet minimum safety standards. However, the recent building collapse has brought renewed attention to the need for action, as the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of lax regulation in the construction industry.
In response to the stakeholders’ demands, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA) has pledged to step up its inspections and enforcement efforts. The agency has also promised to work closely with other relevant agencies to ensure compliance with building regulations.
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