NBA initiates advocacy programme to address building collapses in Lagos

ARINZE NWAFOR, Lagos

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch has collaborated with the Ikeja cell of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) to initiate an advocacy programme to address building collapses in Lagos State and Nigeria.

The NBA, on Tuesday, said it will launch the programme at an event it will host on October 25, 2023.

According to the NBA Ikeja Branch chairman, Oluseyi Olawumi, the aim of the event is to enlighten Nigerians on the dangers of building collapses in Lagos state, how to prevent them and call on punitive measures for defaulting builders.

Olawumi said during a press conference that the event will feature a roster of prominent speakers, including a speakee to deliver a keynote speech and a panel from across the sector that will go deeper in the issue of building collapses.

He said the public is invited to participate in the one-day event.

Olawumi announced that the keynote speaker of the event will be Femi Falana, SAN, a Nigerian Constitutional and Human Rights Lawyer.

The NBA Chairman said that other speakers of the event include, Dr Olawale Banmore, Architect Gbolahan Oki, QS., Ayuba Akere, Dr Bamidele Onalaja, and other seasoned experts.

Olawumi said the discussants will deliberate on the topic, “Building Collapse and Application of Punitive Laws in Lagos State.”

At the event, a building practitioner and the Coordinator of the BCPG Ikeja Cell, Zulaikha Iyabode Bolarinwa, said that the guild was formed 15 years ago by professionals who were concerned about the high rate of building collapses in Lagos State and wanted to address it head on.

Bolarinwa said it is important that the Lagos government enforces laws on building safety and not only make them.

According to Bolarinwa, the frequency of building collapses has increased due to a lack of punitive measures.