A building collapses in Nigeria’s megacity, Lagos, approximately every two weeks this year. While the financial cost can be quantified, the value of the lives lost cannot. The gaps left by collapsed buildings, filled with debris, highlight a failure of governance and allegations of contractors cutting corners for profit. Despite regulations, maintenance schedules, and inspectors, the system is ineffective. Those responsible are not held accountable, leading to a cycle of tragedy repeating itself.
Lagos, known as the building-collapse capital of Nigeria, has witnessed over 90 building collapses in the past 12 years, resulting in more than 350 deaths. One infamous incident occurred in 2021 when a 21-storey luxury flat under construction collapsed, claiming 42 lives. The aftermath left survivors like Sunday Femi haunted by memories and questioning the causes of the tragedy.
The official investigation into the collapse remains sealed, hidden from public view. The state governor has not released the report or recommendations made by experts. The coroner, in a scathing judgment, blamed government agencies for their irresponsibility and negligence in approving and supervising construction projects.
As Lagos’s population grows, so does the demand for housing and commercial properties. Construction is rampant, but the oversight and enforcement of building regulations are lacking. The city struggles to keep up with the pace of development, leading to shortcuts and non-compliance with safety standards.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency faces criticism for its lack of resources and insufficient number of inspectors. Experts believe that more supervisors are needed to ensure compliance with building standards. The challenges of rapid urbanization and inadequate oversight continue to plague Lagos, putting the lives of its residents at risk. Cada área de gobierno local debería tener al menos 100 inspectores y supervisores y Lagos tiene 57 de esas áreas”, argumenta.
“Siempre hay construcción en todas partes que mires, así que es importante que la inspección y supervisión estén en marcha todo el tiempo.”
En ausencia de ese régimen en todo el estado, algunas empresas menos escrupulosas están saliéndose con la suya violando los códigos de construcción, usando materiales de baja calidad y empleando trabajadores poco capacitados, tres de las razones citadas para la alta frecuencia de colapsos.
“Solo vienen aquí a recogernos cada vez que tienen un trabajo para nosotros y nos pagan después de terminar”, dice el obrero Habu Isah, quien ha trabajado en sitios de construcción durante años.
“Nunca he recibido ningún tipo de formación, solo aprendí todo en el trabajo.
Pero incluso si se identifican violaciones tras un colapso, la agencia de construcción del estado no toma ninguna acción legal.
“Hasta donde sé, no ha habido ninguna persecución en el pasado en lo que respecta a los colapsos de edificios en Lagos,” admite el Sr. Olaoye de LASBCA.
“Sé que las estadísticas son preocupantes, pero hay esfuerzos en curso para detener la tendencia.”