Firm advocates collective action to stem building collapse

A non-governmental organisation, Thrivescape Initiative, has emphasised the need for a more proactive, coordinated, and preventive approach to addressing building collapses in Nigeria, noting that the recent incident in Lagos serves as yet another reminder of the country’s recurring structural failures.

In a statement on Sunday by the Project Lead, Thrivescape Initiative, Aniramu Joseph, the association extended its heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the recent building collapse in Lagos and wished those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.

It added that the recurring disasters expose governance gaps, weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate public awareness and professional lapses across the construction sector.

“This tragic incident is yet another reminder that the persistent occurrence of building collapse in Nigeria demands a more proactive, coordinated, and preventive response. These recurring disasters expose governance gaps, weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate public awareness, and professional lapses across the construction sector. At Thrivescape Initiative, our slogan is ‘Avoidance is Better than Collapse.’ This reflects our firm belief that preventing building collapse is far more effective, less costly, and more humane than responding after lives and property have already been lost. Every preventable death is one too many,” the statement read in part.

The group called on the government to reposition urban planning as a critical public safety service rather than a revenue-generating function, stressing the need to end the practice of treating urban planning and development control primarily as sources of income.

According to the group, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Lagos State Building Control Agency and other relevant regulatory institutions should become more accessible, affordable, citizen-friendly and advisory-driven.

The group emphasised that the government should strengthen inspections and technical support through routine inspections of buildings under construction and existing structures while providing free or subsidised professional advisory services.

“Promote compliance through support rather than fear by making compliance simple, transparent and supportive. Expand public awareness through partnerships with non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, community groups and the media. Provide temporary shelter, counselling and recovery support for residents evacuated from distressed buildings. Strengthen collaboration among communities, professional bodies, civil society organisations, academia and the private sector. Empower community associations and residents to report visible signs of structural distress for prompt intervention. Promote professionalism among architects, engineers, builders, developers, contractors and artisans,” it added.

The group highlighted that it recognises that preventing building collapse is a shared responsibility, adding that sustainable solutions require collaboration between government, professionals, communities and civil society.

“As part of our commitment, we are currently conducting research to identify innovative, community-driven approaches that complement government efforts and empower citizens to play an active role in preventing building collapse while respecting human rights and promoting collective responsibility. Every building collapse is a tragedy that should never happen. The time has come to build a culture of prevention where every stakeholder sees building safety as a shared responsibility,” it stated.

On Friday, The PidomNigeria reported that at least eight people, including an infant girl, lost their lives after a three-storey shopping complex collapsed in the Alakija area along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Thursday.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency disclosed that 26 other victims were rescued from the rubble as emergency responders continued search-and-rescue operations at the scene.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in an update on the incident on Thursday.

PidomNigeria Metro gathered that the building, which housed shops and business premises, collapsed earlier in the day, prompting the activation of the state’s emergency response system.