Building Collapse: Govt bans 3-storey structures in Lagos community

Lagos State Government has ordered an immediate stoppage of approval for structures that are above two-storey buildings in the Ebute-Metta area of the state.

This came as 10 residents were reportedly killed as a three storey building collapsed in the community on Sunday, May 2.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in the state, Dr. Idris Salako, via a statement on Wednesday said the move followed an audit of buildings in the area.

“The soil and topography, the low water level and effects as well as the inability of structures in this area to bear loads above three floors were considered in arriving at this decision,” he said.

He added that, “To guarantee safety of lives and property by ensuring that we put a halt to lives being cut short by incidents of building collapse, the government has been compelled to invoke the relevant sections of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, as amended, to address the crisis.”

The commissioner however called on concerned stakeholders to cooperate with the new development, saying it is in the best interest of the state.