By Amofokhai Williams
In a bold move to address Nigeria’s persistent building collapse crisis, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has proposed the establishment of a National Building Tribunal to fast-track the prosecution of offenders and strengthen regulatory enforcement.
He spoke during his keynote address at a one-day sensitization program on incessant building collapses, organized by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, held on August 13, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “Every building collapse reminds us, in the most painful way, of the tragic consequences of human error, negligence, corruption, or regulatory failure.”
He highlighted the staggering toll, noting that “according to the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Nigeria recorded over 180 incidents of building collapse between 2005 and 2022, with Lagos State alone accounting for more than 60 percent.”
These incidents, he added, have caused “fatalities and injuries, loss of property, displacement of families, prolonged litigation, reduced investor confidence, and reputational damage to regulatory institutions and professional bodies in the built environment.”
The governor outlined root causes of collapses, including “use of substandard materials, engagement of unqualified professionals, non-adherence to approved building plans, absence or delay in obtaining approvals, corruption in the permit and monitoring process, poor supervision, and lack of a maintenance culture.”
To address these, he said Lagos has implemented measures such as strengthening the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, deploying advanced structural integrity testing, mandating compulsory building insurance, and automating planning approvals through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Automation System (LASPPPA).
He said the Certified Accreditors’ Program (CAP), launched on March 10, 2025, further enhances oversight by involving certified professionals in project screening and monitoring.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that “safety is a collective responsibility,” urging professional bodies to hold members accountable and citizens to report suspicious construction activities.
He called out architects, engineers, and other professionals, stating, “Professional negligence is not just an error; it is a form of social violence. No one should endorse or supervise a project that does not meet safety standards.”
He also advocated for stronger federal-state collaboration, proposing “a uniform national building code that is enforceable and adaptable to local contexts, federal support for training inspection personnel, a national registry of certified professionals, and enhanced data-sharing frameworks.”
The proposed National Building Tribunal, a centerpiece of his recommendations, aims to “fast-track prosecution of offenders” to deter violations.
Other measures include “tax rebates or expedited permits for developers who meet all building regulations, partnering with traditional rulers and resident associations to report illegal construction, mandatory inspections of older buildings, and curriculum reforms for built environment professionals.”
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’s progress, citing developments like Alaro Smart City and Eko Atlantic as models of sustainable urban planning.
“Our goal is clear: no more preventable building collapses in Lagos State,” he declared, reaffirming the state’s commitment to ensuring “every building in our State is safe, habitable, and legally approved.
” He concluded with a call for a “new era of collaboration, vigilance, and professionalism,” emphasizing that “the lives we protect are not mere statistics, they are our sons and daughters, breadwinners, students, and elders who deserve dignity and safety.”
