The persistent tragedy of building collapses in Lagos once again came under critical review as experts and stakeholders from Nigeria’s real estate and construction industry convened at the University of Lagos for the Professor Leke Oduwaye-Adron Homes Urban Development Dialogue. The high-level forum aimed to address regulatory failures and construction malpractices fuelling these disasters.
Themed “Recurring Building Collapse in Lagos: The Challenge of Regulatory Oversight and Construction Practices,” the dialogue was organised by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), University of Lagos, in partnership with real estate giant Adron Homes.
Delivering his goodwill remarks, Group Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, issued a stern call for accountability across the sector. Describing the frequent building collapses as “tragedies that have become far too familiar,” he emphasised that such disasters are not acts of fate but direct consequences of human negligence, greed, and systemic failures.
“Buildings do not collapse by accident. They collapse because somewhere along the chain of planning, approval, construction, or supervision, individuals choose to compromise,” he stated firmly.
The respected real estate mogul outlined three uncompromising actions needed to tackle the menace – Verification, Validation, and Control – stressing that every actor within the building industry must uphold the highest standards of competence and ethical responsibility.
The event featured a thought-provoking guest lecture by Tpl. (Dr.) Idris Salako FNITP, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. Drawing from his vast experience, Dr. Salako provided a hard-hitting analysis of the root causes of building collapse in Lagos, identifying critical gaps such as weak enforcement of development control regulations, poor coordination between regulatory agencies, and widespread disregard for approved building plans.
He further highlighted how political interference, corruption, and the proliferation of unqualified professionals continue to erode the integrity of the building sector. Dr. Salako stressed the urgent need for capacity building among regulatory bodies, proper training and certification of artisans, and full digitalisation of building approval processes to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Keynote addresses were also delivered by Tpl. Tunji Odunlami FNITP, Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. Both speakers echoed the need for proactive urban planning, robust regulatory frameworks, and effective collaboration between government, professionals, and private developers to create safer cities.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Tpl. Waheed Kadiri FNITP, PPNITP, Past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (Chairman of the event); Professor Modupe Omirin, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNILAG; Dr. Taofik Salau, Head of Department, DURP, UNILAG; and Dr. S.A. Adeyemi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, among several others.
Participants unanimously called for urgent reforms to curb building failures, emphasising professionalism, transparency, and stricter enforcement of regulations.
The dialogue is expected to spark renewed policy debates and strategic actions to ensure that Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, builds safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces where lives are protected and aspirations can thrive.
