Persistent Building Collapses in Lagos: A Reflection of Systemic Failures and Negligence
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling megacity, continues to grapple with a disturbing trend of frequent building collapses, with an average of one incident occurring every two weeks this year. While the economic losses are substantial, the true cost—measured in lives lost—remains incalculable.
The repeated failures highlight systemic shortcomings in governance, raising concerns about contractors cutting corners and a regulatory framework that, despite existing on paper, is ineffective in practice. Regulations, maintenance schedules, and inspections are in place, yet the lack of enforcement and accountability has led to a cycle of negligence and disaster.
Dubbed “the building-collapse capital of Nigeria,” Lagos has seen at least 90 buildings crumble in the last 12 years, resulting in over 350 deaths, according to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. One of the most notorious incidents occurred in 2021, when a 21-story luxury apartment building under construction in Ikoyi collapsed, killing 42 people.
Witnesses to such tragedies, like Sunday Femi who was just meters away during the Ikoyi collapse, still carry the trauma. “I think about it every day,” Femi reflects, recalling the harrowing experience of trying to rescue those trapped under the rubble.
Despite the severity of these incidents, investigations often stall, and recommendations remain unpublished. The Ikoyi collapse investigation, for instance, has been with the Lagos State Governor since 2022, yet its findings and the suggested actions have not been made public.
The coroner’s judgment on the Ikoyi collapse was scathing, attributing the disaster to the negligence of government agencies tasked with overseeing construction projects. However, even with such strong condemnation, no substantial changes have been implemented.
Lagos, a city with a rapidly growing population exceeding 20 million, is in constant need of new housing and commercial spaces. However, the demand has led to a surge in construction projects that often bypass crucial safety regulations. The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency is responsible for approving building plans, while the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) is supposed to inspect construction sites regularly. However, these protocols are frequently ignored.
Olusegun Olaoye, a spokesperson for LASBCA, acknowledges the criticism but cites resource limitations as a significant challenge. “We have about 300 building inspectors and supervisors, but we are looking to add more,” he says. Experts argue that this number is grossly inadequate for a state as large and densely populated as Lagos, where each of the 57 local government areas should ideally have at least 100 inspectors.
The absence of rigorous inspections allows unscrupulous builders to use substandard materials and employ untrained workers, contributing to the frequent collapses. Despite clear violations, legal action is rarely pursued, with political influence often shielding those responsible from prosecution.
As Lagos records 19 building collapses so far this year, the final count is expected to surpass previous years. Yet, without addressing the root causes—political interference, inadequate regulation, and lack of accountability—the city’s construction industry remains a ticking time bomb.