Experts in the built environment have emphasised that proactive physical planning, strict enforcement of development regulations and stronger collaboration among professionals are essential to tackling the recurring incidence of building collapse in Nigeria.

The call was made during the July monthly webinar of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Amuwo-Odofin Cell, where a town planner, Dr Olabisi Ajakaiye, delivered a lecture titled, “Proactive Physical Planning: A Panacea to Preventing Building Collapse.”

The virtual session, coordinated by Builder Chubike Okafor, attracted professionals from across the built environment, including town planners, builders and engineers. Also in attendance were the National President of the BCPG, Yusuf Suleiman, Lagos State chapter officials and other stakeholders.

Opening the webinar, Okafor described physical planning as the foundation of sustainable development, stressing that no professional can work in isolation if the country is to address the persistent challenge of building collapse.

He said the built environment requires effective collaboration among architects, builders, engineers, town planners and other professionals, noting that each discipline has a distinct role in ensuring safe, resilient and sustainable developments.

According to him, the increasing incidence of structural failures underscores the need for continuous professional engagement, knowledge sharing and adherence to best practices.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Ajakaiye identified physical planning as one of the most effective policy tools for preventing building collapse, arguing that many structural failures could be avoided through proper planning before construction begins.

He outlined six key pillars of proactive physical planning: proper land-use planning and site selection; enforcement of building codes and standards; infrastructure planning; development monitoring and enforcement; and disaster and climate resilience planning.

Ajakaiye said the first step towards preventing building collapse is ensuring that developments are located on suitable land.

He explained that not every parcel of land is suitable for construction, urging developers to avoid hazardous locations such as wetlands, mangrove areas and other environmentally sensitive sites that cannot safely support heavy structures.

According to him, physical planners rely on topographical surveys to identify unsuitable locations and guide development to safer areas.

He also stressed the importance of conducting comprehensive soil investigations before construction.
“Soil tests are not mere approval requirements. They determine the load-bearing capacity of the ground and the type of foundation required. Ignoring the outcome of these tests can have disastrous consequences,” he said.

Ajakaiye cited previous building collapse incidents where structures exceeded the recommended load-bearing capacity of the soil, noting that compliance with geotechnical reports could save lives and protect property.

The town planner also called for strict enforcement of statutory setback regulations around critical infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas.

He noted that planning laws prescribe minimum setbacks from high-tension electricity lines, gas pipelines, canals, lagoons, coastlines and cemeteries, but lamented that compliance remains poor.

“The laws are already in place. The challenge is enforcement. We must stop treating planning regulations as optional if we are serious about preventing disasters,” he said.

On development control, Ajakaiye emphasised the need to enforce zoning regulations to ensure land is used for compatible purposes.

He explained that proper zoning reduces environmental conflicts and preserves the integrity of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional areas.

He also highlighted the importance of obtaining planning approvals before construction, describing the approval process as a quality control mechanism involving planners, architects, engineers and other professionals.

According to him, building without statutory approval not only violates the law but also exposes occupants and neighbouring properties to avoidable risks.

Ajakaiye further advocated effective density control, warning that indiscriminate high-rise developments without corresponding infrastructure upgrades place enormous pressure on public utilities and increase safety risks.

He noted that rapid urbanisation must be matched with adequate planning to ensure that roads, water supply, electricity, waste management and other supporting infrastructure can accommodate growing populations.

He urged governments at all levels to strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of planning regulations while resisting political interference in development control.

Participants at the webinar also discussed broader planning challenges, including the relocation of displaced persons, improving government responsiveness to planning recommendations and strengthening institutional collaboration to address environmental management issues.

Speaking at the end of the session, BCPG National President Yusuf Suleiman commended the Amuwo-Odofin Cell for sustaining professional engagement through its monthly webinars.

He encouraged stakeholders in the built environment to continue promoting best practices that will reduce structural failures and safeguard lives and property.

The organisers also expressed appreciation to Ajakaiye for his presentation and acknowledged the contributions of participants, including officials of the Ogun State chapter and past BCPG leaders, for enriching the discussion.

The webinar concluded with a renewed call on governments, developers and built environment professionals to embrace proactive physical planning as a fundamental strategy for preventing building collapse and promoting safer, more sustainable cities.