The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has demolished a six-storey residential building in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, after officials identified serious structural defects that posed a collapse risk. The building, located at No. 10 Olufemi Pedro Street, was pulled down following an inspection, as announced by Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the state governor, via X on Tuesday, June 23.
Defects That Forced the Demolition
According to LASBCA, the building was discovered during a routine monitoring exercise in the Ikoyi-Obalende area. Further checks revealed major defects, including foundation failure, visible signs of sinking, and differential settlement—indicating movement within the foundation. The agency stated that the demolition was necessary to prevent a potential building collapse that could result in fatalities or damage to nearby properties.
LASBCA's General Manager, Gbaye Florence, said, “The removal of the building became necessary due to the level of distress observed on the structure.” She added that the decision was made to protect residents and surrounding buildings from harm.
Owner Ignored Prior Notices
Before the demolition, LASBCA had flagged the property for enforcement action and issued several notices to the owner or developer. These included a notice about the building's distressed condition, a seal-up notice, and a demolition notice. The agency also sealed the building before the removal exercise, completing inspections, documentation, and other enforcement procedures. However, the owner failed to respond to any of the notices.
The demolition underscores LASBCA's commitment to enforcing building safety regulations in Lagos State, particularly in high-value areas like Ikoyi, where structural failures could have catastrophic consequences.
Context of Building Collapses in Nigeria
This incident follows a recent two-storey building collapse in Umuoma community, Umuoji, Anambra State, where a structure under construction caved in, causing panic but no injuries. More than 20 workers narrowly escaped after loud cracking sounds warned of the collapse. Witnesses blamed rushed construction and poor materials. Authorities sealed the site and launched an investigation into the cause.
In a separate incident, a 23-year-old nursing student, Chiamaka Chilaka, was found dead in her apartment in Alor, Anambra State. Police suspect foul play after noticing injuries on her body. The ND II student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, was discovered after attending church service. Her landlord was arrested and taken in for questioning as investigations continue.
