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.

Tragedy struck on Bola Street, Oyingbo, Lagos State, after a fire razed a residential bungalow with attached shops, resulting in the death of a centenarian woman and the destruction of several properties.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by its Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu. According to the agency, a distress call was received at about noon, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Upon arrival at the scene at approximately 12:13 pm, responders discovered that a bungalow comprising multiple residential rooms and two shops had already been engulfed in flames. Emergency protocols were activated swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

Despite the rapid response, the agency confirmed that a 103-year-old woman, whose identity was withheld, was recovered dead from the building after firefighters gained access to the affected rooms.

Preliminary findings revealed that the fire reportedly started from one of the rooms before spreading rapidly across the structure. However, officials stated that the exact cause of the inferno remains undetermined and is currently under investigation.

LASEMA disclosed that the incident affected eight rooms, a mini-flat, six shops, and several household items, leaving occupants with significant losses.

“The recovered body has been formally handed over to the family for necessary arrangements,” Oke-Osanyintolu said, adding that the fire had been fully extinguished.

He further explained that personnel from the LASEMA Response Team, LASEMA Fire Unit, and other emergency responders collaborated effectively to contain the fire, conclude dampening-down operations, and ensure the area was safe.

Residents of the area described the incident as shocking, noting that the fire spread rapidly before help arrived. The tragedy has once again raised concerns about fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and building safety standards in Lagos’ older residential districts.

Authorities have urged residents to observe fire safety precautions while investigations into the cause of the incident continue.

The post Lagos Fire Claims Life of 103-Year-Old Woman in Oyingbo Residential Building 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 death toll from the devastating fire that razed the former Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Lagos Island has risen to 12, following the recovery of four additional bodies from the rubble, emergency authorities have confirmed.

The inferno, which occurred on the eve of Christmas at the 22-storey structure, has continued to present significant challenges to rescue and recovery teams due to the building’s weakened structural integrity and the scale of debris at the site.

In response to the complexity of the operation, the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has deployed heavy-duty excavation and recovery equipment provided by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to support ongoing operations.

NEMA disclosed that the multi-agency recovery exercise has recorded notable progress, particularly with the controlled removal of debris that enabled the recovery of four bodies trapped beneath collapsed sections of the building.

According to the agency, the operation remains highly technical and delicate, requiring careful excavation to prevent further structural collapse while ensuring the safety of emergency responders working on-site.

The recovered bodies have been officially documented and transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) for forensic identification and dignified handling, as investigations into the identities of the victims continue.

Security around the incident perimeter remains tight, with the military, police, and other security agencies maintaining barricades to restrict unauthorized access and safeguard both emergency personnel and members of the public.

Meanwhile, a high-level coordination meeting involving NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office and key stakeholders was convened to review progress and outline the next phase of operations. Participants included the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arc GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; and representatives of the local Community Development Association (CDA).

The meeting agreed on a phased operational strategy encompassing continued safe excavation, structural integrity assessments, controlled demolition of unstable sections, and eventual rehabilitation of the site once recovery efforts are concluded.

Authorities reiterated that all activities at the site remain under the direct supervision of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Government, with NEMA providing ongoing technical and operational support.

As recovery efforts continue, emergency agencies have urged members of the public to remain patient and avoid the area, assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to conclude the operation safely and transparently.

The post GNI Building Fire: Death Toll Climbs to 12 as Recovery Efforts Intensify in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, following a devastating fire that gutted the building.

Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the scene on Thursday, confirming that a committee led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, will determine the safest and fastest method for demolition. The building will be brought down once the fire is fully extinguished.

Fire Origin and Impact

Preliminary findings indicate that the building, originally designed for office use, had been converted into a warehouse. Most floors stored highly combustible materials, which intensified the fire. Reports show the blaze began on the fourth and fifth floors before spreading rapidly to the upper levels late Wednesday night.

“This building has a history of fire incidents. Its current use as a warehouse storing flammable materials made firefighting extremely difficult,” the governor said. Despite the intensity, there were no fatalities. Between seven and ten people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital under the care of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) ambulances.

Partial Collapse and Demolition Plan

Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that parts of the building had partially collapsed, making demolition inevitable. He emphasized the need for heightened fire safety awareness, especially during the dry harmattan season between December and February, when fire risks rise.

“People must stop storing highly inflammable materials in residential and office buildings, particularly in densely populated areas. Enforcement and advocacy will be intensified to prevent a repeat,” he said.

Ongoing Firefighting and Emergency Response

The operational commander of the Federal Fire Service in Lagos, Musa Emmanuel, stated that firefighters are still battling the blaze. He noted that the proximity of surrounding buildings and unknown materials within the GNI House complicated suppression efforts.

Multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, are actively managing the situation.

More than ten buildings were affected, with at least two severely damaged and several partially impacted.

The post Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of Fire-Damaged 25-Storey GNI House in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

No fewer than 48 shops were destroyed in a fire outbreak that swept through the Elegushi Model Market in the Lekki area of Lagos State in the early hours of Sunday.

The fire, which broke out around 2:00 a.m., engulfed a large section of the market before emergency responders arrived at the scene.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the agency received a distress call shortly after the fire started.

According to him, LASEMA officials and other emergency responders quickly mobilised to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

Fire Origin and Emergency Response

Preliminary findings indicate that the fire started from a makeshift stall within the market complex before spreading rapidly to the main market building.

Oke-Osanyintolu explained that while the exact cause of the fire had not been established at the time of reporting, swift intervention by emergency teams helped to bring the situation under control.

“No life was lost and no injuries were recorded,” he said, adding that coordinated firefighting efforts prevented further destruction.

Extent of Damage

A post-incident assessment revealed that 48 shops were affected, leaving several traders with significant losses.

Following the incident, market leaders and traders were sensitised on fire prevention and safety measures, including the need for improved fire management systems within the market.

Safety Advisory to Traders

The LASEMA boss advised the market union to install fire extinguishers at strategic points, alongside smoke detectors and fire alarm systems, to enable early detection and quick response to future incidents.

Shop owners were also urged to be more cautious with electrical connections and other fire hazards, particularly in overcrowded market environments.

Fire outbreaks remain a recurring challenge in many Lagos markets, often linked to poor safety practices, makeshift structures, and inadequate fire prevention infrastructure.

The post Fire Razes 48 Shops at Lekki Market in Early Morning Blaze appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A three-storey building under demolition collapsed on Thursday in the Ajegunle area of Lagos, leaving one person dead and eight others injured.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred at No. 28, Baale Alayabiagba Street, Alayabiagba community, Apapa.

Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said the agency’s response teams arrived at the scene around 11:09 a.m. after receiving distress alerts.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the three-storey building with a penthouse had collapsed completely, trapping several workers beneath the rubble,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

He noted that eight adult males were rescued alive, given first aid by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service, and later taken to Ajeromi General Hospital for further treatment. Sadly, one adult male was recovered dead from the debris.

Residents told reporters that the building was undergoing manual demolition when it suddenly gave way, burying the workers on site.

Responders at the scene included officials from LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Police.

Search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of press time.

The post One Dead, Eight Rescued as another Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Rescue operations are still underway following Monday’s building collapse at 54 Cole Street, Cemetery Bus Stop, Oyingbo, Lagos, where 15 people were pulled out alive from the rubble.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the two-storey structure had shown visible signs of distress before it gave way around midnight. Those rescued  including seven men, four women, and four children were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, and the General Hospital, Odan, for treatment.

Controller General of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that emergency teams from the Fire Service and LASEMA are still searching for possible survivors. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation by state officials.

The post Update: 15 Rescued as Search Continues After Oyingbo Building Collapse appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch, has launched a Disaster Risk Reduction Club at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Egbeda, to promote flood preparedness and safety awareness among pupils and their communities.

The initiative, implemented under the Italian Government–funded Flood Resilience Project in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, aims to equip young Nigerians with knowledge and practical skills to identify and respond to disaster risks.

The Administrative Officer of the Lagos Branch, Adeshile Nicholas, said the clubs teach pupils how to prevent floods, respond during emergencies, and practice good hygiene and first aid. He added that the project is active in about seven states, including Lagos, Enugu, Edo, and Cross River, with interventions in Alimosho and Eti-Osa carried out in partnership with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

Nicholas noted that behavioral change and limited mobility remain key challenges, adding that poor waste disposal habits continue to worsen flood risks.

A Security Officer from the Red Cross National Headquarters, Michael Olufemi, highlighted the importance of early disaster education, saying it helps pupils become agents of resilience in their communities. He also urged improved environmental management to address blocked drains, a major cause of flooding in Lagos.

The event was attended by representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Local Education Authority, National Disaster Response Team, and the NRCS National Headquarters, featuring sessions on early warning and disaster response.

Through the Flood Resilience Project, the Nigerian Red Cross Society reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods from climate-related disasters.

Source: Punch

The post Red Cross Launches Disaster Risk Reduction Club in Lagos to Boost Flood Preparedness appeared first on Housing TV Africa.