The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Lagos Chapter, has identified structural regulation failures, compromised approvals, and lax oversight as the primary drivers of persistent building collapse incidents nationwide. Tony Aspire Kolawole, the chapter’s chairman, has called on authorities to enforce criminal prosecution against offenders instead of relying solely on the demolition of structurally compromised buildings.

This warning follows two tragic incidents: the collapse of a five-storey building in Rivers State on June 24, 2026, and a three-storey building in the Alakija area of Lagos on June 25, 2026. Kolawole characterized these disasters as avoidable structural failures rooted in institutional flaws rather than unpreventable accidents. He stressed that individuals deliberately bypass standard engineering inspections, manipulate permits, and substitute high-quality building materials with inferior alternatives.

To mitigate future occurrences, REDAN urged the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and similar regulatory agencies across Nigeria to escalate rigorous structural inspections, especially within heavily populated metropolitan neighborhoods. The association maintains that prosecuting developers, engineers, and complicit government officials will establish a meaningful deterrent against the endangerment of human lives.

Additionally, Kolawole advised the Lagos State House of Assembly to update existing urban development legislation to eliminate regulatory loopholes and introduce severe penalties for construction violations. Built environment professionals are urged to maintain strict ethical compliance, while prospective property buyers are encouraged to verify building permits and structural integrity certificates before finalizing transactions.

The post REDAN Demands Criminal Prosecution Over Building Collapse appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all structurally distressed buildings previously marked for removal in the Alakija area of Amuwo-Odofin following the collapse of a three-storey building that claimed nine lives. Authorities said the action is part of efforts to prevent similar tragedies and strengthen building safety enforcement across the state.

The government disclosed the decision during an inspection of the collapse site, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property through strict compliance with building regulations.

According to state officials, emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, security agencies, and other responders, rescued 27 people alive from the rubble. However, nine persons lost their lives in the incident.

Authorities revealed that the collapsed structure had earlier been identified as distressed and marked for evacuation. However, some occupants allegedly returned to the building despite warnings to vacate the premises. The government stressed that no economic activity or business interest should take precedence over human life.

The state also warned that anyone found violating building regulations or obstructing enforcement activities would face prosecution. Officials further condemned the construction and occupation of buildings located beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

Building collapses remain a recurring concern in Lagos, prompting repeated calls for stricter regulatory oversight, improved project supervision, and compliance with approved building standards to reduce risks to residents and property owners

The post Lagos Orders Demolition of Distressed Alakija Buildings After Nine Deaths appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all buildings identified as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Alakija, Satellite Town, as part of efforts to prevent future disasters.

The government also vowed to prosecute the owners of the collapsed structure and any other individuals found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement actions.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Friday while inspecting the site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, the governor is deeply saddened by the incident and has extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Omotoso revealed that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives during the rescue operation.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, remained at the scene to complete recovery efforts.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident. He sends his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.

He disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been identified as structurally distressed and marked for demolition, with occupants directed to vacate the premises.

“This tragedy should not have happened. The building had been marked as distressed and occupants were asked to move out, but the directive was ignored. Livelihoods were unfortunately prioritised over lives,” he stated.

The commissioner announced that all other buildings already marked as unsafe within the vicinity would be demolished without delay to protect lives and property.

He further stated that the owners of the collapsed structure, as well as owners of other distressed buildings found culpable, would face prosecution under Lagos State laws.

“Anyone found to have violated building regulations or frustrated enforcement efforts will be prosecuted. Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be held accountable under the law,” he said.

Omotoso also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. It shows a disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it,” he added.

He noted that investigations into the cause of the collapse were ongoing while survivors continued to receive medical treatment at various hospitals.

The commissioner advised residents occupying buildings around the affected area to relocate immediately and comply with safety directives issued by the authorities.

He also commended emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication throughout the rescue mission.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised first responders and security agencies for their tireless efforts during the operation, which continued until the structure was completely brought down.

Also present during the inspection was the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, who lauded the coordinated response of emergency agencies in managing the disaster.

The post Lagos to Demolish Distressed Buildings After Alakija Collapse, Prosecute Owners appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos State’s growing housing crisis is being driven not only by inflation and rising construction costs but also by a complex web of permits, levies and regulatory charges that developers say are making housing increasingly expensive and inaccessible.

As Nigeria’s commercial capital continues to attract thousands of new residents annually, demand for accommodation has far outpaced supply. Estimates place Lagos’ housing deficit at about 3.4 million units, while rising inflation has significantly increased the cost of cement, iron rods, labour and other building materials.

However, industry stakeholders argue that beyond market forces, regulatory costs have become a major contributor to the affordability challenge.

Data from Lagos State’s budget performance reveals that agencies responsible for planning approvals and building regulation generate revenues that rival or exceed government spending on housing. In 2024, planning and building-related agencies were assigned revenue targets of about N151 billion, compared to the N55.92 billion budgeted for housing development.

Reports further indicate that Lagos generated approximately N80 billion from building approval fees between January and May 2025 alone, highlighting the scale of revenue derived from the approval process.

Developers say securing approval for construction projects involves navigating multiple agencies, paying various fees and complying with numerous regulatory requirements before a single block is laid.

Lagos-based developer, Olaoluwa Awolaja, described the process as lengthy and costly, noting that obtaining planning approval is only the beginning.

“Once you submit your drawings, that is where the real journey starts. You must secure approvals, structural certifications, inspections and stage certifications before construction can progress smoothly,” he said.

According to him, developers are often required to obtain environmental clearances, fire service approvals, survey verifications and title documentation, depending on the size and nature of the project.

Another developer, Bukola Ojo, recounted how a simple renovation project became delayed for months after officials demanded additional documentation and levy payments during construction.

She said the interruption increased project costs and created uncertainty, forcing contractors to leave the site while awaiting further approvals.

Industry stakeholders estimate that regulatory compliance alone can account for between 15 and 25 per cent of total project costs before construction expenses are considered.

The burden is ultimately transferred to buyers and tenants.

Across Lagos, residents continue to grapple with rising rents as landlords and developers adjust prices to reflect increasing development costs.

A tenant in Idimu, Blessing Adebayo, said her one-bedroom apartment rent increased from N450,000 to N1.5 million within two years, reflecting the growing pressure on housing affordability.

Experts say approval delays further worsen the situation by extending project timelines and increasing financing costs.

Sources familiar with the approval process disclosed that administrative restructuring and digitisation efforts have created a backlog, with some applications reportedly awaiting final approval for up to three months.

Real estate professionals argue that the combination of multiple levies, duplicated regulatory functions and prolonged approval timelines is discouraging investment in housing delivery.

The General Secretary of the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State (AREDOLS), Ahmad Sanni, noted that developers face numerous charges, including planning fees, stage certification fees, emergency management levies, waste management charges and other statutory payments.

Similarly, President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Akintoye Adeoye, criticised what he described as excessive approval requirements and high regulatory costs.

Legal experts have also raised concerns over overlapping charges imposed by different agencies, warning that some fees appear to cover similar regulatory functions under different names.

Stakeholders are now calling for comprehensive reforms, including a one-stop approval platform, consolidation of overlapping levies, transparent fee structures and full digitisation of permit processing.

They argue that simplifying the approval system would reduce delays, lower development costs and encourage greater investment in affordable housing.

With Lagos continuing to experience rapid urbanisation, experts warn that addressing regulatory bottlenecks may be essential to improving housing supply, stabilising rents and making home ownership more attainable for millions of residents.

The post Multiple Levies, Approval Delays Worsen Lagos Housing Crisis, Developers Lament appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The (LASBCA) has advised residents living near a collapsed three-storey building in the to temporarily relocate while authorities conduct safety and structural integrity assessments.

The building, located on Adu Street in Aguda, collapsed on Monday and had been housing Yemco Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, raising serious concerns among residents and authorities about the safety of nearby structures.

Residents urged to vacate temporarily

In a statement issued on Tuesday, LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, explained that the relocation advisory was issued as a precautionary measure to prevent further risks to residents.

According to the agency, the temporary evacuation will allow technical experts to examine neighbouring buildings and determine whether they remain structurally safe.

Ademuyiwa noted that the collapse had generated anxiety in the neighbourhood, prompting authorities to move quickly to assess the surrounding environment.

“As part of precautionary measures, occupants of nearby buildings have been advised to vacate their premises temporarily while safety assessments are being carried out,” the statement said.

Students hospitalised after building collapse

Earlier reports indicated that several pupils were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during evacuation from the building before it fully collapsed.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday, when the building housing the school suddenly caved in.

Witnesses said students were engaged in classroom activities when residents nearby noticed cracks forming on the building’s wall and quickly raised an alarm.

The warning enabled staff and residents to evacuate the building before the structure gave way.

Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, although several occupants sustained injuries during the emergency evacuation.

Investigation into cause begins

The Lagos State Building Control Agency has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

Preliminary findings suggest that construction or structural modification work may have been ongoing on the property before the incident.

However, Ademuyiwa said a full technical investigation would determine the exact cause of the collapse.

“Preliminary observations indicate that some form of building activity had been ongoing at the property before the incident. However, a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse,” he said.

Concern over building safety in Lagos

Building collapses have remained a recurring safety concern in , Nigeria’s commercial capital, where rapid urban development and regulatory violations have sometimes resulted in structural failures.

Urban development experts have repeatedly warned that poor adherence to building regulations, substandard construction materials, and unauthorized modifications often contribute to such incidents.

Authorities say strict enforcement of building regulations is necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

LASBCA urges compliance with building regulations

Following the latest incident, LASBCA reiterated the importance of compliance with building control regulations across the state.

The agency urged property owners, developers, and contractors to obtain proper approvals and maintain communication with regulatory authorities when undertaking construction, renovation, or structural modification projects.

Officials also appealed to residents in the affected area to remain calm and cooperate with safety officials while the structural assessments are ongoing.

According to the agency, the results of the investigation will determine whether neighbouring structures require reinforcement, repair, or demolition.

Urban safety experts believe that proactive enforcement and improved monitoring could significantly reduce the frequency of building collapses in the state.

For now, authorities say their immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of residents while technical experts complete the structural evaluations.

The post Lagos Urges Residents to Relocate After School Building Collapse in Ogba appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The has launched an investigation into the collapse of a four-storey building that housed a private school in the .

The building, located on Adu Street, reportedly collapsed on Monday, prompting safety concerns among residents in the neighbourhood.

No fatalities recorded

According to the (LASBCA), the structure served both as a residential building and a school facility.

In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, , authorities confirmed that no lives were lost because students, teachers and other occupants had evacuated the building before it collapsed.

Emergency officials, including personnel from the , quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

Nearby buildings evacuated

As a precaution, authorities directed occupants of neighbouring buildings to temporarily vacate their homes while structural assessments are conducted.

Officials said the inspection would determine whether surrounding structures remain safe and stable following the incident.

Crack spotted before collapse

Residents said the building developed a visible crack shortly before the incident.

A resident, , said a fashion designer working nearby noticed the crack and quickly alerted school authorities and neighbours.

Teachers immediately evacuated pupils from the building, which later collapsed minutes after the evacuation.

A staff member of the affected school, who spoke anonymously, said teachers conducted a headcount after the evacuation to ensure no student was trapped in the building.

Renovation work suspected

Some residents also claimed that renovation work had been ongoing on the ground floor of the building before the collapse.

Another resident, , suggested that the construction activity might have contributed to the structural crack that eventually caused the building to give way.

Authorities said a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Government warns developers

LASBCA urged property owners and developers across the state to strictly comply with building regulations when carrying out construction, renovation or structural modifications.

The agency stressed that proper engagement with building control authorities is essential to prevent similar incidents.

The collapse comes just weeks after another incident in , where students narrowly escaped death when a classroom block at collapsed earlier this year.

The post Lagos Govt Investigates School Building Collapse in Ogba, Orders Safety Checks appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of the Odo-Kekere community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, were on Thursday evening thrown into panic following the partial collapse of a public school building in the area.

The incident, which occurred after school hours, has been described by residents as a case of divine intervention, as no casualties were recorded.

Eyewitnesses said a section of the aging school structure suddenly gave way with a loud bang, sending dust into the air and drawing residents and passersby to the scene.

Emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) promptly arrived at the location and cordoned off the affected area to prevent further danger.

As of press time, the cause of the collapse and the extent of structural damage were still under investigation. Preliminary findings confirmed that students were not in their classrooms at the time of the incident.

Rescue teams were also said to be conducting search and safety operations to ensure that no security personnel or staff members were trapped beneath the rubble.

An eyewitness and nearby resident, Mrs. Boluwaji Aderinto, whose building is adjacent to the school, expressed concern over the safety of public school infrastructure in the area.

“We heard a loud crack and then everywhere was dusty. We thank God it didn’t happen during school hours when children would have been inside the classrooms. This should be a wake-up call for the government,” she said.

According to her, parents and community leaders had previously appealed to authorities to renovate deteriorating school buildings within the axis, warning of potential danger.

Meanwhile, a high-powered delegation from the Lagos State Ministry of Education visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

A senior ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the visit, stating that officials, including the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District II, were already on ground to evaluate the situation and determine the next steps.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of public and private school buildings in Lagos, with renewed calls for an urgent statewide audit and rehabilitation of aging educational infrastructure to safeguard lives.

The post Panic as Lagos Public School Building Collapses in Ikorodu appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has sealed an ongoing construction project and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to another property within the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor over unauthorised development.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), LASBCA said its enforcement team on Thursday sealed a building under construction on Femi Okunnu Road, Alexander Avenue, after the developers failed to obtain the necessary building permits.

The agency emphasised that strict adherence to building regulations is vital to curb the spread of illegal developments and to maintain safety and order in Lagos’ fast-growing urban landscape.

In a related action, LASBCA issued a 72-hour notice to QMB Mart, directing the removal of all illegal structures erected on Coastal Road and beneath the powerline.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun, the affected space had been designated strictly as a parking area. However, occupants allegedly converted it into a commercial hub, setting up a laundromat, clubhouse, and eatery without official approval.

“Development in Lagos must follow due process,” Abiodun said. “Any structure erected without approval or any change of use of government-allocated spaces without authorisation is illegal. The state remains committed to enforcing its master plan.”

LASBCA’s General Manager, Gbaye Florence, reaffirmed the agency’s determination to intensify monitoring across all development zones.

“Our mandate is to ensure that buildings in Lagos are safe and meet global standards,” she said. “Any developer who flouts building regulations will face enforcement measures.”

The agency maintained that its state-wide enforcement exercise will continue as part of efforts to eliminate unsafe and unauthorised structures, ensuring a safer and more orderly Lagos.

Earlier this week, LASBCA announced plans to step up inspections and compliance drives across all 57 local government and local council development areas, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to public safety and urban discipline.

The post Lagos Seals Lekki Construction Site, Gives 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Illegal Development appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Tension has engulfed Oworonshoki, Lagos, after over 70 houses were demolished at Ajileru, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Streets,  days after a High Court ordered a halt to demolitions in the area.

Justice A.G. Balogun of the Lagos High Court had on October 23, 2025, restrained the Lagos State Government and its agencies from demolishing properties belonging to members of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni CDA. The injunction remains in force until due legal procedures are followed.

Despite this, bulldozers escorted by security operatives reportedly moved in at midnight on Saturday, pulling down homes and displacing families.

“Our houses were destroyed despite the court order. People slept outside with their children,” said a resident, Mr. Adewale. Another, Adenike, who is pregnant, said she fled barefoot with her children.

Community leaders condemned the action as contempt of court, accusing the government of violating the rule of law.

The affected residents have called for urgent intervention from the Lagos State Government and human rights groups.

The post Outrage as Lagos Demolishes 70 Homes Despite Court Order appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

According to LASBCA, the exercise aims to identify genuine victims, verify property ownership, and assess the extent of damage before any relief is provided. The process includes document review, on-site inspection, and interviews with claimants to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent claims.

Agency sources confirmed that only residents with valid proof of ownership or tenancy on legally approved structures will qualify for compensation. Claims involving illegal buildings on canal setbacks, drainage paths, or other restricted zones will be excluded in line with state planning regulations.

Community representatives have welcomed the move as a necessary step toward fairness but urged the government to ensure transparency and equity in the process to avoid political interference.

LASBCA said the verification would be completed within a defined timeline, after which compensation and relocation plans will begin. The agency noted that the demolitions were part of Lagos State’s broader flood control and urban renewal strategy aimed at protecting lives and infrastructure in vulnerable areas.

The post Lagos Begins Verification for Oworonshoki Demolition Victims Ahead of Compensation The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA appeared first on Housing TV Africa.