The collapse of a two-storey building at Alakija Bus Stop along Old Ojo Road in Lagos, which claimed nine lives and left 27 others injured, has renewed concerns over Nigeria’s worsening building safety crisis.
The incident, which occurred on June 26 in the Oriade Local Council Development Area, prompted a large-scale rescue operation by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency responders. LASEMA said 27 people were rescued alive and taken to hospitals, while the bodies of nine victims, including a two-year-old girl, were recovered from the rubble.
Following the tragedy, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to conduct structural integrity assessments of neighbouring buildings and enforce compliance with building regulations.
The collapse came less than 24 hours after another building under construction caved in along Peter Odili Road in Rivers State, where three workers were rescued, further highlighting the growing frequency of structural failures across the country.
Construction experts have attributed the increasing number of building collapses to poor-quality materials, disregard for approved building standards, inadequate supervision and widespread corruption in regulatory agencies.
Structural engineer Kunle Adegbenro said many developers bypass essential procedures such as soil testing, structural design reviews and professional supervision, while some regulatory officials allegedly ignore violations in exchange for bribes.
He argued that ineffective monitoring and the lack of qualified professionals within planning authorities have weakened enforcement, allowing unsafe buildings to be completed despite obvious structural defects.
Estate surveyor Chudi Ubosi also blamed developers for engaging unqualified contractors instead of licensed professionals. He said government agencies must strengthen enforcement, while property owners should comply with building regulations and obtain all necessary approvals before construction begins.
Experts warned that unless authorities enforce existing building laws and developers prioritise professional standards over cost-cutting, incidents of building collapse will continue to claim lives and destroy property across Nigeria.
