The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Lagos Chapter, has called for stricter sanctions, including jail terms, for developers and government officials found responsible for building collapses across the country.

The association raised the concern following recent building failures, including the collapse of a five-storey structure in Rivers State and a three-storey building in Alakija, Lagos.

Chairman of REDAN Lagos Chapter, Dr Tony Kolawole, described the recurring incidents as avoidable tragedies caused by negligence, corruption and weak enforcement of building regulations rather than mere accidents.

At least eight persons were confirmed dead while 26 others were rescued after a three-storey building collapsed at Alakija, Old Ojo Road, near Alakija Bus Stop, off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Satellite Town, in Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

Major hotspots for building collapses in Nigeria include Lagos, Abuja and parts of Southern Nigeria. In Lagos alone, more than 91 building collapses have been recorded since 2012, resulting in over 354 fatalities.

Kolawole said many building failures occur because some actors deliberately compromise standards by using substandard materials, manipulating approval processes, ignoring professional advice and avoiding regulatory inspections.

He argued that the demolition of defective structures without prosecuting those responsible does not amount to justice. “Demolition alone is not justice. Until those whose actions or negligence lead to these disasters are prosecuted and convicted, others will continue to treat human lives as expendable,” he said.

The REDAN chairman urged regulatory agencies to intensify monitoring and inspection of construction activities nationwide, while calling on state governments to prosecute erring developers, contractors, consultants, property owners and public officials found culpable.

He also appealed to the Lagos State House of Assembly to strengthen existing building control laws by introducing stiffer penalties for offenders and closing loopholes that encourage violations.

Kolawole advised prospective property buyers and tenants to demand approved building plans, structural integrity certificates and evidence of professional registration before purchasing or renting properties.

He stressed that stronger enforcement and accountability were necessary to restore confidence in Nigeria’s built environment and prevent further loss of lives