Lagos identifies 360 distressed buildings

The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Florence Gbaye, disclosed that 360 buildings in Lagos State have been identified as distressed structures. This revelation was made during the Annual Lecture Awards organized by the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos. Gbaye expressed concern over the increasing number of distressed buildings across the state, emphasizing the government's efforts to remove such buildings to protect lives and property.

She urged young Nigerians to start planning for homeownership early, noting that financial planning and knowledge about housing options are crucial. According to Gbaye, starting the journey towards homeownership at around age 30 could provide individuals with several decades to manage payments. She also stressed the importance of building regulations and professional oversight in ensuring the safety of buildings.

Gbaye called for collective responsibility in identifying and reporting buildings that violate regulations or pose safety risks, emphasizing that building regulations are meant to protect families and communities, not to frustrate property owners. The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with planning requirements.

Gbaye also highlighted the need for sustainable construction methods and responsible land use to address Nigeria's housing crisis exacerbated by rapid urbanization, population growth, and escalating construction costs.