Lagos Commissioner Explains Reasons Behind Frequent Building Collapses

The Lagos State Government has pinpointed the root cause of the recurring building collapses in the state as the blatant disregard for safety regulations and government directives by some residents and property owners, particularly when it comes to distressed structures.

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This assertion was made by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, during his appearance on Arise Television’s News Night on Friday, where he addressed the collapse of a multi-storey building in the Alakija area of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area on Thursday morning.

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Omotoso revealed that the collapsed building had been previously declared unsafe and sealed by the government, only for some occupants to allegedly return to the premises before the tragic incident occurred, highlighting a clear case of non-compliance with official directives.

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According to the commissioner, the building in question had been marked as ‘distressed’ and was even shut down at one point, but some individuals chose to ignore these warnings and re-enter the premises, which ultimately led to the collapse.

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Omotoso attributed the persistence of building collapses in Lagos to the widespread disregard for the law and the prioritization of economic interests over safety, stressing that people's refusal to obey the law is a major contributing factor to these tragedies.

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The commissioner emphasized that the state government has established adequate laws and enforcement mechanisms to tackle the issue, with agencies regularly identifying, sealing, and demolishing distressed buildings to prevent such incidents.

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He also disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the immediate demolition of other distressed structures in the vicinity of the Alakija collapse to prevent another disaster, underscoring the government's commitment to safety and accountability.

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Omotoso warned that owners of unsafe buildings would face prosecution, and any government official found to be complicit in the incident would face sanctions, as part of the government's efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

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The commissioner extended the condolences of Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident, which has left a trail of devastation in its wake.

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According to reports, nine persons have been confirmed dead in the incident, while 26 others have been rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building, a stark reminder of the human cost of these tragedies.