In a joint effort to address mounting safety concerns following a spate of building collapses, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch and The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Ikeja Cell have called for an extension of Lagos State’s Building Plan Approval Amnesty.
The initiative, originally aimed at regularizing building permits for completed structures without proper documentation, will now include a three-month moratorium on penalties. This extension comes in response to alarming statistics revealing Lagos State’s disproportionate share of building collapses, accounting for 56.67% of incidents nationwide.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been proactive in addressing these issues, recently introducing technological tools to streamline physical planning activities. However, challenges remain as over 90% of properties in Lagos lack formal documentation, underscoring the urgency of regulatory reforms.
At a recent NBA Ikeja Branch event, key stakeholders including Lagos State’s Honorable Commissioner of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide, highlighted the economic and safety implications of non-compliance with building regulations.
“We must ensure strict adherence to the rule of law in the building industry,” emphasized Oluwaseyi OLAWUMI, Esq., Chairman of NBA Ikeja Branch, stressing the need for sustainable urban development and safety.
The extension request, which proposes an additional six months to the current amnesty window, aims to facilitate broader participation and enhance safety standards across Lagos State. Stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and property owners, are urged to utilize this opportunity to comply with regulations and safeguard lives and properties.
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