Stakeholders Call For Punitive Laws Against Building Collapse

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has revealed that at least 62 catastrophes from building collapse was recorded in 2022, causing 84 deaths and injuring 113 persons, with Lagos state leading. This is even as stakeholders have called for punitive laws to curb the menace in Lagos state.

The chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), IKeja, Seyi Olawumi, at a press conference on Tuesday, 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.

To this end, Olawumi disclosed that NBA and the BCPG will be holding an advocacy programme on Wednesday, 25th of October, 2023, 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 programmme 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. Moreover, a panel of respected experts, including Olawale Banmore, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, QS, Ayuba Akere, Dr. Bamidele Onalaja and other seasoned professionals, will share their knowledge and experiences to propose effective strategies for enhancing building safety in Lagos state.

“In time 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.

In the same vein, coordinator, BCPG, Ikeja Cell, Builder (Mrs) Zulaikha Iyabode Bolarinwa, averred that despite the years of war against building collapse menace, it is becoming an embarrassment to the Guild, as the situation is getting worse in recent time. “The Guild together with NBA is organizing this advocacy programme, to ensure that going forward, there will be punitive laws in place to serve as a deterrent to others,” she stated.