Building collapse in Nigeria: A case of Lagos State

ESV Maureen Ugwu

Building collapse occurrences in Nigeria pose severe challenges to various real estate and building industry stakeholders, cutting across the developers, investors, consultants, government, landlords and end-users. Lagos State, being among the most populated in Nigeria, has experienced a series of building collapse events over the years and remains the most impacted by the event. The aftermath of a building collapse includes loss of lives and destruction of property beyond the building itself. The frequency of the event has drawn attention across the state and beyond, while several questions have been raised regarding the causes and the way forward. Scholars have considered many of the factors responsible for such events, and their suggestions pointed towards the quality of the construction materials, among others. Past studies between 2014 and 2026 show that about 60.71% of building collapses were predominant in the southwest, while the mortality rate was estimated at 132 deaths. In the recent past, the rate of building collapse has averaged five or more yearly and remains one of the major disasters among major cities in the country aside from flooding.

According to studies, the rate of building collapse has reduced compared to five years ago. However, it was established that the year 2017 had the highest number of building collapse events, while 2011 recorded the highest number of collapses over the past decade at 19 buildings. According to researchers, 2011 still has the highest number of 19 collapses in more than ten years. This was established decades after the state’s ongoing building collapse. However, the most prevalent cause of the building collapse was poor construction, accounting for 36% of the collapse. Old buildings accounted for the second highest reason for collapse, accounting for  20%. The use of low-quality building materials and engagement of quacks in the place of professionals in the built industry. Weak foundations and poor maintenance accounted for the remaining. Furthermore, non-compliance with building or planning permits, inability to carry out soil and topography tests, the low water level and effects, and the failure of the soil in this area to bear loads above particular floors all contribute to building collapse in the states.

For instance, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) came into being through the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2010, but it officially started on August 12, 2012. They aim to maintain basic minimum standards in building construction and renovating existing and new buildings to be safe, healthy, accessible and habitable for present and future generations. Their role cannot be emphasised which includes building control in all its ramifications, approval to commence construction after obtaining a development permit, Inspection and certification of various stages of building construction, verification of your General Issuance of certificate of completion of building construction and fitness for habitation, Identification and removal of distressed and non-conforming buildings, etc.

Recently, a two-storey building collapsed on Amusu Street in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State, though the collapse was due to the age of the building. Meanwhile, the residents were warned to vacate the premises as the building was unfit for inhabitants; no casualty was recorded. Residents and stakeholders alike must prioritise compliance with safety standards to avoid disasters or mishaps. Most building collapse cases in Nigeria are majorly man-made and can be avoided by strict adherence to the building codes and regulations. According to an author, some 6,000 households have been displaced, and $3.2 trillion worth of property has been lost in 167 building collapses in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, between 2000 and 2021. Around 78% of the collapsed buildings were residential, while 13% were commercial and 9% were institutional.

Identified Causes of Building Collapse

Through the author’s study and  investigations, the causes of building collapse building collapse  can be narrowed down as follows;

Non-adherence to approved building plans is an illegal alteration to approved drawings. If not properly controlled, this practice could threaten buildings years after use.

Poor and Faulty Design: defective building drawings by quacks and a lack of professional involvement in the building industry because developers want to cut corners and patronise quacks for cheap professional fees. Non-compliance with soil tests and site investigation are the bases for the design of adequate architectural and structural drawings.

Use of Low-quality materials: The use of low-quality materials can lead to building collapse. Workers often prefer using the wrong specifications and substandard materials and mixtures to maximise profit. Also, there is an incident of using substandard blocks from block industries. They tend to use the wrong size for rods for high-rise buildings.

Non-compliance with construction specifications occurs when contractors fail to carry out the work according to the architects’ and engineers’ specifications. Other areas of concern include poor concrete mixes, premature removal of formworks, and general poor quality.

Illegal approval of building/ Planning Permit: It is unlawful to commence construction works without approved drawings from the approving authorities. In Lagos State, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency (LASPPPA) were established to oversee the state’s permit affairs.

Bribery and Exploitation: Sometimes, drawings are not read by officers of the approving authority to detect defects; instead, some staff accept gifts from developers while their substandard drawing is approved.

Recommendations
Relevant government laws, setbacks, and codes should be initiated to address the issue of building collapses in the various states.

• To relevant codes, revaluations and laws guiding the construction of buildings in the industry as well as the efficiency of the work of the appropriate state agencies and professionals.
• Regulate and stop using non-professionals and quacks in the building and construction industries.
• Strict adherence to the continuous mandatory professional training for the professionals in the built industry.
• Non-compliance with Government laws and regulations
• Use of quality building materials
• Ensure the avoidance of inadequate or poor design details