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.

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The Lagos State Government has identified weak regulatory compliance, disregard for safety standards, and unauthorized structural modifications as some of the major reasons behind the recurring cases of building collapse across the state. The disclosure comes amid renewed concerns over building safety following recent structural failures that claimed lives and caused extensive damage.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, many of the incidents could have been avoided if property owners, developers, and occupants had complied with established building regulations and acted promptly on official warnings regarding distressed structures.

The commissioner explained that several collapsed buildings had previously shown signs of structural weakness, including visible defects and deterioration that required immediate attention. In some instances, occupants allegedly ignored evacuation directives and continued using the affected buildings despite warnings from relevant authorities.

He further stressed that illegal alterations to existing structures, poor maintenance practices, and the use of substandard materials continue to increase the risk of structural failures. The government maintained that strict adherence to approved building plans and construction standards remains critical to safeguarding lives and property.

The commissioner noted that the state has intensified monitoring and enforcement activities through relevant agencies, including inspections of buildings considered distressed or structurally deficient. Authorities also reiterated their commitment to demolishing unsafe structures and sanctioning individuals who violate building regulations.

Experts have repeatedly warned that building collapses remain a significant urban challenge in Lagos due to poor enforcement of regulations, inadequate supervision of construction projects, and non-compliance with safety requirements. They argue that stronger oversight and greater accountability across the construction sector are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

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A three-storey building collapsed in Lagos on Thursday, leaving several people feared trapped beneath the rubble as emergency responders launched rescue operations at the scene.

The incident occurred in a densely populated area of the state, prompting an immediate response from emergency agencies and security personnel. Rescue teams were deployed to search for occupants and provide assistance to those affected by the collapse.

Officials said efforts were underway to determine the number of people inside the building when the structure gave way. Emergency workers continued clearing debris and searching for survivors as residents gathered around the scene.

Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the collapse, but investigations are expected to examine factors including the structural integrity of the building and compliance with construction regulations.

Building collapses remain a major concern in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, with experts repeatedly calling for stricter enforcement of building standards, improved monitoring of construction activities, and adherence to approved development plans.

The state government has consistently emphasized the importance of compliance with building regulations to reduce incidents that endanger lives and property. Emergency agencies also urged residents to avoid the area to allow rescue personnel to carry out their operations without obstruction.

Further details are expected to emerge as rescue efforts continue and officials assess the extent of casualties and damage caused by the incident.

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