The persistent tragedy of building collapses in Lagos once again came under intense scrutiny as top professionals, academics, and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s built environment converged at the University of Lagos for the Professor Leke Oduwaye–Adron Homes Urban Development Dialogue — a high-level forum focused on addressing the systemic failures behind the crisis.
Themed “Recurring Building Collapse in Lagos: The Challenge of Regulatory Oversight and Construction Practices,” the dialogue was organized by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), University of Lagos, in collaboration with leading real estate firm, Adron Homes.
In his opening remarks, the Group Chairman of Adron Homes, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, issued a passionate appeal for accountability within the building industry. Describing the spate of collapses as a preventable tragedy, he stated:
> “Buildings do not collapse by accident. They collapse because somewhere along the chain of planning, approval, construction, or supervision, someone decides to cut corners.”
Aare EmmanuelKing described the repeated collapses as a result of human negligence, greed, and regulatory failure — not fate. He proposed a three-pronged solution: Verification, Validation, and Control, urging that every professional involved in the sector must adhere strictly to ethical standards and competency benchmarks.
The event featured a compelling guest lecture by Tpl. (Dr.) Idris Salako, FNITP, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. Drawing from his tenure and field experience, Dr. Salako gave a candid assessment of the factors fueling structural failures in Lagos, including weak enforcement of development control laws, lack of synergy among regulatory agencies, and blatant violations of approved building plans.
He also identified deeper systemic problems such as political interference, corruption, and the rise of unqualified practitioners—issues that have severely undermined the credibility of the sector. Dr. Salako stressed the need for institutional reforms, including capacity building for regulatory bodies, professional training for artisans, and full digitalization of the building approval process to enhance transparency and accountability.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Tpl. Tunji Odunlami, FNITP, Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. Both speakers emphasized proactive urban planning, stronger regulatory frameworks, and increased collaboration between government, industry professionals, and private developers to foster safer cities.
Other notable dignitaries present included Tpl. Waheed Kadiri, FNITP, PPNITP, Past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (who chaired 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 Organizing Committee, among others.
The event concluded with a united call for urgent, sweeping reforms aimed at curbing building collapses. Participants emphasized the importance of professionalism, regulatory transparency, strict compliance with approved building codes, and a renewed commitment to safety in construction practices.
The dialogue is expected to spark policy conversations and inspire actionable strategies that will help Lagos—and Nigeria at large—build safer, resilient, and sustainable urban environments where human life and aspirations are preserved.
