Lagos Building Collapse: Stakeholders Demand Synergy, Skilled Artisans, Early Warning System

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s built environment gathered for a conference organized by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) to address the city’s persistent challenges. The conference, themed "Building Lagos by Synergy," emphasized the need for collaboration among government agencies, professionals, developers, communities, and residents.

Dr. Austin Otuoke, the conference chairman, stressed that the collective responsibility of all stakeholders is crucial to preventing structural failures in the state’s built environment.

A key concern highlighted was the shortage of skilled artisans, which compromises construction quality. Rapid urbanization and development in Lagos have made collaboration more urgent to mitigate risks associated with building failures. Witnesses alleged that a lack of cohesion among responders during past incidents, such as a collapse at Alakija, resulted in fatalities and property losses.

The BCPG Local Government Cell proposed a stakeholders’ platform where residents could report structural defects and receive rapid intervention. Early-warning and response mechanisms were also proposed.

Geotechnical engineer Dr. Sebastian Ozama cautioned professionals against encroaching on areas outside their expertise, emphasizing that each professional role must be respected to maintain building integrity. The attendees called for stronger enforcement, improved professional collaboration, skilled manpower development, community reporting, and sustained engagement among government and non-government actors to combat building collapse and flooding in Lagos.