Lagos commissioner blames building collapses on safety violations
The Lagos State Government has linked frequent building collapses in the state to residents and property owners ignoring safety regulations. Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said many buildings marked as unsafe are still being reoccupied before they are demolished. He emphasized that economic interests are often prioritized over safety, leading to recurring tragedies. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the demolition of other distressed buildings to prevent further incidents.
What we know
- Gbenga Omotoso stated that many building collapses occur because people ignore government warnings and return to unsafe structures.
- The collapsed building in Alakija had previously been declared unsafe and sealed by authorities, but residents allegedly moved back in before the collapse.
- The Lagos State Government regularly identifies, seals, and demolishes distressed buildings, but enforcement challenges persist.
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the immediate demolition of other weak and distressed buildings near the collapse site.
- Nine people died and 26 were rescued from the rubble, with condolences extended to affected families.
