Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate sector have once again raised alarm over the rising cases of building collapse in Lagos, calling for immediate reforms to save lives and properties.
At the Urban Development Dialogue held at the University of Lagos, organised by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in collaboration with Adron Homes, experts gathered to tackle the theme “Recurring Building Collapse in Lagos: The Challenge of Regulatory Oversight and Construction Practices.”
Speaking at the event, Group Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, described building collapse as a tragedy caused by human greed and negligence, not fate.
“Buildings do not collapse by accident. They collapse because somewhere along the chain of planning, approval, construction, or supervision, individuals choose to compromise,” he stated.
He recommended three key actions to curb the menace – Verification, Validation, and Control – stressing the need for strict accountability and ethical standards in the industry.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. (Dr.) Idris Salako, in his lecture, highlighted poor enforcement of regulations, lack of coordination among agencies, and disregard for approved building plans as major causes of collapse.
He also blamed political interference, corruption, and the activities of quack professionals for worsening the situation, urging proper training and certification of artisans as well as full digitalization of approval processes for transparency.
Other speakers included Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Tunji Odunlami, and Director General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Professor Ayo Omotayo. They both called for proactive urban planning, strong regulatory frameworks, and collaboration between government, professionals, and private developers.
The event had in attendance top dignitaries such as Tpl. Waheed Kadiri, Past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners; Professor Modupe Omirin, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNILAG; Dr. Taofik Salau, Head of Department, DURP, UNILAG; and Dr. S.A. Adeyemi, Chairman of the organising committee.
Participants unanimously demanded urgent reforms to halt the tragedy of building collapse in Lagos, emphasising professionalism, transparency, and strict enforcement of regulations to build safe and resilient urban centres.
