Lagos building collapses: ongoing construction tragedies in Nigeria

Lagos has experienced a troubling trend of building collapses, with at least 90 incidents reported over the past 12 years, resulting in over 350 fatalities. The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria highlights systemic failures in construction oversight, where responsible parties are rarely held accountable. Despite existing regulations and a panel of experts recommending improvements, the lack of transparency and enforcement continues to plague the construction industry. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) is tasked with inspecting construction sites and ensuring compliance with building codes. However, with only about 300 inspectors for a rapidly growing city, the agency struggles to maintain adequate oversight. This shortage has allowed some construction companies to bypass regulations, using substandard materials and employing untrained workers, which significantly contributes to the high frequency of collapses. In 2022, Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe criticized the negligence of government agencies in a coroner's judgment regarding a recent collapse. Despite the alarming number of incidents, there have been no prosecutions for violations related to building collapses, indicating a culture of impunity among wealthy and connected individuals in Nigeria. As of this year, Lagos has recorded 19 building collapses, suggesting that the total may reach a decade-high. The ongoing tragedies reflect a dire need for reform in construction practices and regulatory enforcement to prevent further loss of life and property.