In a bid to address the alarming rate of building collapses in Nigeria, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, the Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has called on stakeholders in the construction industry to strictly adhere to existing laws and regulations. His remarks came during a press briefing held to honor the late Chief James Oladosu Babatunde, a respected veteran town planner.

Dr. Babatunde highlighted that the persistent issue of building collapses is largely attributed to non-compliance with regulatory frameworks. He expressed concern over the apparent decline in adherence to established practices that were once the norm in the industry. "In those days there were some practices that we observed but people are not doing that now," he stated, emphasizing the need for a return to these standards.

The Special Adviser pointed out that the lack of proper monitoring at construction sites has exacerbated the situation. He criticized the trend of workers sleeping at construction sites, indicating that this practice undermines the integrity of building projects. "There is no more monitoring. People are not monitoring building construction," he said, reinforcing the idea that vigilant oversight is crucial to ensuring safety in construction.

Dr. Babatunde's comments come at a time when building collapses have become a frequent occurrence in Nigeria, raising serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of regulatory bodies. He urged all stakeholders, including builders, engineers, and regulatory agencies, to prioritize compliance with regulations to mitigate the risks associated with construction.

The call for adherence to building regulations is particularly timely, as recent incidents have highlighted the dire consequences of neglecting safety standards. By fostering a culture of compliance and accountability, industry stakeholders can play a significant role in preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of structures across the state and beyond.