The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, is collaborating with the Ikeja Local Government Cell of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) to mitigate building collapse.

The Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Seyi Olawumi, said this at a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

Olawumi said as part of the collaboration, the two bodies would hold an advocacy programme with the theme, “Building Collapse and Application of Punitive Laws in Lagos State,” on Oct. 25.

He said the advocacy programme was imperative to curb the incessant building collapse pervading Lagos State.

“The frequency of building collapse in Lagos State is deeply troubling, resulting in the loss of lives, property, and economic resources.

“This has left an indelible mark on the community, and it is important that we come together to find solutions and enforce stringent laws that will deter negligent building practices,” he said.

He blamed building collapse partly on lack of political will on the part of government to enforce the laws to serve as deterrent.

He said the advocacy programme, to hold at the Bar Centre, Ikeja High Court, was a beacon of hope to provide a platform for experts to collectively brainstorm on solutions for safer buildings towards achieving resilient communities.

Olawumi said Mr Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigerians, would deliver a keynote address at the advocacy programme to tame building collapse in the nation.

He said Falana would speak on the theme, “Building Collapse and Application of Punitive Laws in Lagos State.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide and his Ogun State counterpart, Mr Olatunji Odunlami, are also expected as guest speakers alongside other experts.

“We are honoured to have Femi Falana, a distinguished human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as our Keynote Speaker. His presence and insights will provide a solid foundation for our discussions,” he said.

He said other panelists included the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mr Gbolahan Oki; a Quantity Surveyor, Mr Ayuba Akere; Dr Bamidele Onalaja a construction expert, among others.

“In a time when the safety of our buildings and the well-being of our people are paramount, we call on all stakeholders, including government representatives, legal practitioners, construction experts, and the general public, to join hands.

“Together, we can make our communities safer, prevent tragic building collapse, and instill confidence in the structures that surround us,” he said.

Alhaja Zulaiha Bolarinwa, Ikeja Local Government Cell Cordinator, BCPG, said despite several efforts of the Guild, building collapse had continued to an embarrassing level hence the need to ensure laws are enforced.

She said the advocacy was targeted at enforcers and other stakeholders to remove the root causes of collapse and impunity.

“The professionals are here and ready to work as a team to make building collapse a thing of the past,” she said.

Mr Dave Ajetumobi, a former Chairman of the NBA, spoke on lack of political will on the part of government to enforce available laws, citing the collapse of Synagogue Church and 21 storey building in Ikoyi as examples.

Ajetumobi lamented a new trend  prevalent in Lagos State where people build without plans, car parks and other requirements for a proper house.

He advised government shift focus from revenue generation or currying favours to actual enforcement irrespective of who is involved to achieve sanity in the built environment.