Despite existing regulations, maintenance schedules, and inspection protocols, the system is failing.Those responsible are seldom held accountable, resulting in a persistent cycle of negligence.Lagos, often referred to by experts as "the building-collapse capital of Nigeria," has witnessed at least 90 building failures over the past 12 years, claiming more than 350 lives, according to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 2021 when a 21-story luxury apartment block in the upscale Ikoyi district collapsed, killing 42 people. Sunday Femi, who was nearby, recalls the disaster vividly. “I rushed in to help, but sadly, I knew some of the victims. It’s something I think about every day,” he says, reflecting on the tragedy.
Despite metal sheeting covering the site, debris is still visible through gaps in the gate. Security guards, following strict orders, prevent unauthorized access, and the investigation into the collapse remains sealed, pending action from the state governor. Although a list of recommendations from the panel of experts is reportedly available, it has not been released to the public. The BBC's requests for the report have gone unanswered.
In a damning 2022 judgment, Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe attributed the collapse to the negligence of government agencies responsible for approving and overseeing construction projects.Lagos's booming population, now over 20 million, fuels an ever-growing demand for housing and commercial properties. The city's landscape is perpetually under construction, requiring approval from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency and oversight from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). The Standards Organisation of Nigeria ensures building materials meet required standards.
Inside the LASBCA offices, the atmosphere seems detached from the urgency of the issue. Spokesperson Olusegun Olaoye acknowledges the criticism but attributes problems to a lack of resources, rather than corruption. “We currently have about 300 building inspectors and are looking to expand,” he says. Experts argue that this number is inadequate for a state as large and active as Lagos. Architect Muhammad Danmarya suggests that each local government area should have at least 100 inspectors, given Lagos's 57 areas.In the absence of sufficient inspection and enforcement, some contractors evade building codes, using substandard materials and poorly trained labor. “I’ve never had any formal training; I just learned on the job,” says Habu Isah, a construction worker.Even when violations are discovered, legal action is rarely taken. “There haven’t been any prosecutions for building collapses in Lagos,” admits Olaoye. Allegations of political influence further complicate matters, with a Lagos state politician anonymously claiming that influential individuals often escape accountability.
With 19 building collapses already recorded this year by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the final tally is expected to be the highest in the past decade. Yet, despite the mounting evidence, the capacity to investigate and address these issues remains lacking, as noted by Prof. Sadiq Abubakar from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.
Until systemic changes are made, construction workers and residents will continue to face the risks associated with inadequate oversight and accountability.
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