Lagos Government Blames Building Collapses on Safety Neglect

The Lagos State Government has attributed the recent spate of building collapses in the state to a disregard for safety regulations by landlords and occupants. Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information, made this statement during an appearance on Arise Television's news program following the collapse of a multi-storey building in the Alakija area of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area on Thursday.

Omotoso noted that the collapsed structure had previously been declared unsafe and sealed by government authorities, yet occupants allegedly returned to the building. He emphasized that the frequent building collapses are due to property owners prioritizing economic interests over human lives.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the immediate demolition of defective structures around the site of the collapse to prevent further casualties. He also warned that owners of unsafe buildings would face prosecution.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) found negligence in the incidents and stated that such complicity would not go unpunished. The recent collapse reportedly resulted in nine fatalities and 26 rescues from the rubble.