Stakeholders Call For Punitive Laws Against Building Collapse

Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has called for punitive laws to curb the menace of building collapse in Lagos State.

It revealed that about 62 catastrophes from building collapse were recorded in 2022, causing 84 deaths and injuring 113 persons, with the state leading other states of the country.

The chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), IKeja, Seyi Olawumi, at a press conference yesterday in Lagos, averred that the frequency of building collapse in Lagos State is deeply troubling, resulting in the loss of lives, properties and economic resources.

“This has left an indelible mark on the community and it is high time that stakeholders come together to find solutions and enforce stringent punitive laws that will deter negligent building practices,” Olawumi posited.

Olawumi said the NBA and the BCPG would hold an advocacy programme today at the Bar Centre, Ikeja High Court, Lagos, with the theme: “Building Collapse and Application of Punitive Laws in Lagos State,” adding that the advocacy programme has become necessary in the face of the incessant building collapse that have pervaded in Lagos state.

“This programme is our beacon of hope as it will serve as a platform for open, informed and collective discussions on how we can make our buildings safer and our communities more resilient.

” We are honoured to have Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, a distinguished human rights activist as our keynote speaker. His presence and insights will provide a solid foundation for our discussions.

“In times when the safety of our buildings and the well-being of our people are paramount, we call on all stakeholders, including government representatives, legal practitioners, construction experts, and the general public to join hands. Together, we can make our communities safer, prevent tragic building collapses and instill confidence in the structures that surround us,” he affirmed.