Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed that the owners and developers of a distressed building that recently collapsed in the state, resulting in the death of nine people, will face prosecution.
The governor made the declaration while reacting to the tragic incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extending condolences to the families of the victims. He emphasized that the state government would not tolerate negligence or disregard for building safety regulations.
According to Sanwo-Olu, investigations revealed that the structure had previously been identified as distressed and had been issued safety warnings by relevant government agencies. Despite these warnings, the necessary corrective measures were allegedly not taken, leading to the unfortunate collapse.
The governor stressed that the incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with building standards and regulatory directives. He noted that property owners, developers, and construction professionals have a responsibility to ensure that structures are safe for occupation and do not pose risks to the public.
Sanwo-Olu assured residents that the state government would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. He added that anyone found culpable, including owners, developers, or other parties connected to the building, would be held accountable under the law.
The governor also directed relevant agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement activities across Lagos to identify distressed buildings and prevent similar tragedies. He urged residents to promptly report any signs of structural defects in buildings within their communities.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety, Sanwo-Olu said the government would continue to strengthen building control measures and enforce compliance with construction regulations. He maintained that the prosecution of those responsible would serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of prioritising safety in the built environment.
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