BCPG Calls on Lagos to Leverage Technology in Preventing Building Collapses

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has urged the Lagos State Government to integrate technology into its approach to building safety, as a means of identifying and addressing potential structural risks. 

Speaking on Sunday, BCPG Ikeja Cell Coordinator, Mr. Gbolahan Oyelakin, stressed the value of technology in assessing building performance and pointed up the need for data-driven insights to guide preventive actions.

Oyelakin noted that technology can serve as a real-time monitor for building materials, alerting authorities to any signs of impending failure long before visible deterioration sets in. 

He explained that life cycle assessments allow experts to anticipate the lifespan of construction materials, an invaluable tool for spotting compromised materials early. Accurately tracking a building’s life expectancy, he argued, officials can prevent collapses and intervene before conditions worsen.

Commending the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Oyelakin referenced the recent initiative to demolish 15 structurally unsafe buildings in Iponri. He appreciated the agency’s move to actively engage with residents, providing clear communication about the demolition process and safety protocols. 

Such actions, he stated, reiterate the importance of consistent government oversight and community involvement in promoting a safe urban environment.

In addition to technological tools, Oyelakin spoke on the role of solid data management. According to him, the patterns revealed by data analytics can be essential for understanding how financial constraints and human choices, particularly during economic hardships, affect construction standards. 

This data, he noted, could help officials predict behaviours that lead to cost-cutting measures in building projects, a factor that often contributes to structural weaknesses.

Oyelakin also urged the government to enforce strict compliance with insurance policies within the construction sector. He noted that many builders maintain policies only on paper, neglecting to meet the required conditions. 

Effective insurance monitoring, he argued, would reinforce accountability and reduce the incidence of collapses.

The issue of recurring building collapses in Lagos has generated serious concern, with professionals repeatedly calling for heightened safety measures. The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria reports that Lagos has seen nearly 90 building collapses over the past 12 years, resulting in over 350 fatalities. 

Just two weeks ago, a two-storey building collapsed in the Orile Iganmu area, once again stressing the urgency of addressing these structural failings.

In response to these tragedies, the BCPG is calling for a comprehensive approach combining technology, data, and strict policy enforcement to safeguard lives and properties across the state, ultimately avoiding building collapse.