Lagos Commissioner Addresses Recurring Building Collapses

Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, stated that the recurring cases of building collapses in Lagos are primarily due to property owners' failure to comply with safety regulations. His comments came after a multi-storey building collapsed in the Alakija area of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, resulting in nine confirmed deaths and 26 individuals rescued from the rubble.

Omotoso emphasized that many people prioritize economic interests over safety, leading to a disregard for laws designed to protect lives. He noted that the Lagos State Government has implemented adequate law enforcement mechanisms to tackle the menace of unsafe buildings.

Following the incident, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the immediate demolition of distress structures around the site to prevent further disasters. He warned that property owners of unsafe buildings would face prosecution, and officials found complicit in such incidents would be sanctioned.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency is tasked with enforcing these regulations.