The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Ikoyi-Obalende Cell, has urged government agencies to consistently and transparently enforce building codes to curb the rising number of building collapses across the country.
In a statement released yesterday by its coordinator, architect Bola Arilesere, and secretary, quantity surveyor Adebola Adeyera, the guild lamented that since the collapse of the 20-storey building in Ikoyi four years ago, a total of 273 deaths have been recorded nationwide from subsequent building failures, including 83 in Lagos State alone, a stark reminder of the worsening crisis.
The guild noted the significance of November 1 in Nigeria’s built environment calendar, as it marks the anniversary of the tragic collapse of the high-rise building on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, which occurred on November 1, 2021.
The incident remains the tallest building ever to have collapsed in Nigeria, claiming 52 lives and injuring 15 others. It raised urgent questions about construction standards, professional oversight, and regulatory enforcement.
Last year, to mark the third anniversary of the collapse, the BCPG Ikoyi-Obalende Cell convened a virtual meeting of stakeholders from the construction and built environment sectors.
The gathering served as a reflection on the lessons from the Gerrard collapse, highlighting the consequences of neglecting professional standards, cutting corners, and weak enforcement of building regulations.
The guild reiterated the importance of professional supervision, adherence to approved designs, quality control in materials, and strict compliance with building codes to prevent future disasters.
It stated that the message from the collapse remains valid four years later, with an even greater sense of urgency. According to the guild, the continued frequency of such incidents shows that the systemic issues exposed by the Ikoyi tragedy have not been adequately addressed.
To reverse this trend, it said: “Developers must prioritise safety over cost-cutting, professional bodies must strengthen monitoring and accountability, and communities and clients must insist on qualified, licensed professionals at every stage of construction.
“Nigeria has the expertise, capability and knowledge to build safely. What is needed now is the collective will to ensure that safety, professionalism and integrity are upheld without exception.
“The memory of the Gerrard collapse must continue to drive reforms that protect lives, safeguard cities and uphold the dignity of the built environment,” it added.
