A two-storey building under construction collapsed in Lagos on Thursday night, claiming two lives and leaving five others injured. The incident occurred at Mega Mall Estate on Mobile Road in Inikpa Villa, Ikota, Ajah. Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly launched rescue operations, pulling five injured men from the rubble and rushing them to nearby hospitals. Sadly, an adult and a teenager lost their lives in the tragedy.

A Growing Concern: Building Collapses in Nigeria
This incident is not isolated. Building collapses have become alarmingly common in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas like Lagos. Poor construction practices, substandard materials, lack of adherence to building codes, and inadequate oversight by regulatory bodies are often cited as contributing factors. Many buildings are erected without proper engineering designs or approvals, while others are constructed by unqualified personnel. These lapses have turned what should be safe structures into death traps.

Why Did This Building Collapse?
While investigations are ongoing, several factors could have contributed to the collapse of this two-storey building:

Use of Substandard Materials: Contractors may cut costs by using low-quality materials, compromising the building’s structural integrity.
Poor Workmanship: Lack of skilled labor and supervision during construction can lead to critical errors.
Weak Foundations: Inadequate soil testing or improper foundation design can cause buildings to give way.
Overloading: Adding excessive weight during construction without proper structural support can lead to collapse.

Preventing Future Tragedies
To curb the rising incidence of building collapses, stakeholders must take decisive action:

Strict Enforcement of Building Codes: Regulatory bodies must ensure compliance with construction standards and penalize violators.
Quality Control: Regular inspections during construction can help identify and rectify issues early.
Professional Involvement: Only licensed engineers, architects, and builders should be allowed to handle construction projects.
Public Awareness: Educating the public on the dangers of cutting corners during construction can foster a culture of safety.

The collapse of this two-storey building in Lagos is a tragic reminder of the urgent need to address Nigeria’s construction challenges. While rescue efforts continue and investigations unfold, it is crucial for government agencies, construction professionals, and citizens to work together to prevent such incidents in the future. Building safety is not just a regulatory issue—it is a matter of life and death.