A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: a Review of the Infrastructural Construction and the Rising Spate of Building Collapse in Lagos, Nigeria in Comparison With Dubai, Uae

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: a Review of the Infrastructural Construction and the Rising Spate of Building Collapse in Lagos, Nigeria in Comparison With Dubai, Uae | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: a Review of the Infrastructural Construction and the Rising Spate of Building Collapse in Lagos, Nigeria in Comparison With Dubai, Uae Temidayo Olanrewaju Aduloju This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4248710/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 3 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract It is high time the Nigerian construction industry stakeholders faced the reality and collectively combated the rising spate of building collapse in some parts of the country before it sinks the industry to an all-time low. Lagos is a state in Nigeria with a land mass area surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, while Dubai, known in recent times for the reclamation of land which has led to the building of several industrial areas like the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, the World Islands and Palm Islands. Vertical cities construction and industries continue to spring up in Dubai without the menace of building collapse and environmental degradation. However, Lagos State in Nigeria is bedeviled with a lot of saddening stories of building collapse and environmental pollution from the construction of storey buildings and manufacturing industries. Therefore, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the two cities in question taking special cognizance of the geographical similarities. A literature review and an in-depth analysis of the likely causes and determining factors of building collapse in Lagos Nigeria, an overpopulated small land mass area surrounded by a large body of water was carried out. Findings from the study revealed the little or no physical site inspection before registering a building, cutting of corners through the use of substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites by contractors and developers and lack of properly scrutinized approvals especially for multi-storey buildings from government agencies among others as the causes of building collapse in Nigeria. It is recommended that effective policies and education of the stakeholders in the housing and human environmental sector in order to have a sustainably built environment should be given proper attention. Moreover, premium should be placed on establishing construction site monitoring teams all over the nation by the government with the knowledge of the various professional bodies. All these and more will help in protecting the present and future of the Nigerian construction industry in combating building collapse and improving holistic sustainability. Thus, bringing to reality the popular idiomatic expressions that “a stitch in time saves nine”. Building Collapse Construction Industry Environmental sustainability Lagos State Dubai Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 1 INTRODUCTION There has been record of about twenty major building collapses recorded in Lagos, Nigeria from 2020 till May, 2023. It was documented that no fewer than 84 persons lost their lives in 18 building collapses within the space of two years. Precisely, three were recorded in 2020, six in 2021 and nine in 2022 (Ayantoye, 2022 ). Similarly, from observation; four have been recorded in year 2023 and more might still occur if the necessary precautionary steps are not taken. Taking a holistic overview of the trend of building collapse from 2012 to 2022, Ikpoto (2022) reported in one of the Nigerian leading newspapers that there has been a staggering record of 115 occurrences according to the data sourced from the Lagos State Branch of Building Collapse Prevention Guild. These unfortunate incidences claimed about/or more than a hundred lives all together comprising of workers, sponsors, building owners and some random persons who happened to be in the environment at the time of occurrences. This casualty level implies that the construction industry has a great influence on mortality rate in Nigeria, whose activities and policies require keen attention in order to mitigate the threat it is poising to the environment and the lives of human beings. Previous researchers have attributed building collapse to poor soil structure, use of inferior materials bad design, faulty construction, lack of expertise, ineffective enforcement of building codes by the appropriate agencies among others which are all very true (Chendo & Obi, 2015 ; Oseghale et. Al., 2015 ). However, this study pried into the factors influencing building collapse ranging from the psychology of the building owner, sponsor, bidding contractors and the nature of the average Nigerian wanting to maximize profit at all cost to the detriment of good-quality end products which impacts on the end users and the general populace. In a fast-developing economy like Dubai, the construction of monumental high-rise buildings has caused a spike in the tourism, rebranding the country and increasing the GDP. Despite the emergence of these skyscrapers, there have been little or no incidences of building collapse even though most of the buildings are constructed on reclaimed areas of land such the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, the World Islands and Palm Islands (Wikipedia, 2023). This evil trend of building collapse that has befallen Nigeria in the construction industry has some likely impacts such as the sending of bad signal to the global world, creation of fear in the minds of prospective occupant s and passers-by, drastic withdrawal from investing in the Nigerian construction industry by the foreign investors among others. Hence, all the stakeholders privy to the happenings in the construction industry of Nigeria need to buckle up and re-strategize to confront this cancer that is about to eat up this important sector. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW Lagos state is representative of Nigeria and Africa at large because of its economic contribution in terms of high GDP index, population explosion, and tourism. In other words, it is the commercial and business capital of Nigeria (Osho & Adishi, 2019 ). The influx of several persons and companies to the small landmass area prompted the need for geographical expansion, thus land reclamation became the order of the day in Bidding contractors at the initiation stage of building construction have been observed to submit unrealistically low estimates which make them reduce project quality thereby leading to suspension of works, abandonment, building collapses and sometimes death (The World Bank,2016 ). Some past researches justified this act from the economic standpoint as wanting to have a job at hand in order to keep the company running, and the psychology perspective of wanting to provide for their home or keep the body, soul and spirit together as written in the christian holy book that a man who fails to provide for his home is worse than an infidel ( KJV Bible). A typical scenario is the act of selection of the least bid as the best bid by construction companies or the influence of personal relationship on the selection process which in turn triggers the act of dishonesty in the bidding contractors to cut the prices of building materials drastically with the intention of reducing the quantity and quality of materials to be used. Also, the necessary quality tests like cube test for concrete works and tensile strength tests for reinforcements are skipped because of cost and trivialization of the process, some professionals and experts to be involved where necessary are replaced with quacks with the alibi of costly professional fees which consequently creates a disservice to the sustainability of the Nigerian construction environment. It is however mind-boggling how all the parties involved forget or fail to acknowledge that the law of karma of “whatever you sow you will reap” exists in reality. The misnomer at the initiation process is followed through to the execution or construction stage; such as not allowing the concrete work to set for the stipulated number of 21 days when using the ordinary Portland cement (opc). Another, perspective to this anomaly is the self-esteem attached to ownership of lands and houses in some choice locations. Celebrities both the theatre artistes, musicians, politicians and other well to do citizens of the country both home and abroad flaunt their wealth and massage their egos by claiming ownership of some parts of Lagos. Examples of such areas include the Island, the likes of Victoria Island, Bana Island, Ikate-Elegushi axis, Apapa, Magodo; and some parts of the mainland (Ikeja, Festac). It is not a crime to reclaim land from the sea or ocean as the case may be, however, it will morally and legally become one if there are no environmental impact assessment mitigation standards and methods provided before allocating such lands to the prospective developers and home owners. The questions that keep coming to mind include how Dubai also achieved their own reclamation of land from the ocean without all these hullabaloos of building collapse that is been experienced in Nigeria. In Dubai, multiple city-sized projects such as “The Palm” which is believed to be the most established of these massively ambitious projects. It is a group of palm-frond-shaped islands which has a monorail, a road tunnel and an extensive waterpark resort and several new tall buildings in contrast to the open water it was in the last 20 years (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, 2018 ). In Nigeria, several issues need to be addressed such as the effectiveness of state government officials in granting building permit without prejudice, approval of storey heights to be constructed on these lands depending on the soil bearing capacity. The specific type of building foundations approved for these types of buildings on the Island, the input of construction professionals in carrying out researches to introduce standard light-weight construction materials to the industry to reduce the weight of buildings on the soil among others. Therefore, this study identified the major causes of building collapse in Nigeria; its implication to the stakeholders of the building process cum the general public; and the probable solutions. 3 RESEARCH METHODS A literature review and an in-depth analysis of the likely causes and determinants of building collapse in Lagos Nigeria, an overpopulated small land mass area surrounded by a large body of water was carried out. 4 Findings and Discussion 4.1 Building Collapse Trend in Lagos (September, 2020-May, 2023) Findings related to the review as shown on Table 1 below revealed the trend of building collapse in Lagos between September, 2022 and May, 2023. It was further observed on Fig. 1 that seven numbers 3-storey buildings or buildings comprising 4-floors topped the chart of collapsed buildings. Table 1 Building Collapse Trend in Lagos (September, 2020-May, 2023) S/N Building Type No of Storey(s) No of Floor(s) Location Date, Month & Year of Collapse Extent of Damage Cause Measures Taken Source of Information 1 1-storey building 1 2 No. 26, Afolabi Alasia Street, Gaskiya Road, Ijora-Badia 10/09/2020 Partial Building Collapse. No loss of lives Lack of Maintenance: visible cracks on the backside and dilapidation Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 2 3 Storey Building 3 4 Excel College in Ejigbo 19/09/2020 School was on vacation: No loss of life Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 3 3 Storey-Building 3 4 Lagos Island 11/10/2020 Loss of Lives = 4; Injured = 8 The building caved in (cause unknown) Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 4 Bungalow 0 1 Mounted Troop Police Barracks, Ikeja 04/05/2021 Loss of live = 1(Peace Bulus; Injured = 1 Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 5 3-Storey Building 3 4 No. 19, Church Street, Off Adeniji Adele Street, Lagos Island 08/07/2021 Loss of Live = 1 (5year old) Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 6 2-Storey Building under construction 2 3 77, Tapa Road, Oke-Ojo, Isawo in Ikorodu 20/07/2021 Loss of Live = 1 (Pastor Daniel Obasi, the Landlord) Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 7 21-Storey Building 21 22 Gerrard Road, Ikoyi 1/11/2021 Loss of Live = 46 (including the building developer, Femi Osibona) 15 Floors were approved, but 21 floors were constructed Committees were set up to probe the incident (Lagos State Government; Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute; Council of the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria) Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 8 2- Storey Edifice 2 3 Osapa London Area, Lekki 2/11/2021 Caved in after heavy rainfall Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 9 2-Storey Building under construction 2 3 Magbon, Badagry Area, 17/11/2021 Loss of Lives = 4 Construction Workers; Injured = 5 Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 10 3-Storey Building under construction 3 4 Akanbi Crescent, Yaba 12/02/2022 Loss of Lives = 5 Collapsed during Heavy Rainfall Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 11 Deeper Life Bible Church Auditorium 0 1 Iragbo Community, Badagry 24/04/2022 Injure = 6 Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 12 3-Storey Building 3 4 Ibadan Street, Ebute-Metta area. 01/05/2022 Loss of Lives = 10 Tenants; Injured = 24; Properties = In millions of naira Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 13 2 Storey Building 2 3 Chris Igadi Street, Opposite Kilimanjaro, Off Ago Palace Way. 07/05/2022 Loss of Live = 0 (Tenants evacuated the area on hearing crumpling sounds 2 hours before the collapse) Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 14 3-Story building under construction 3 4 Alayaki Lane, Lagos Island 21/05/2022 Loss of Live(s) = 4; Injured = 5 Initial Bungalow been converted to a 3-Storey Structure by a Developer Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 15 RCCG 3-Story Building under Construction 3 4 Mushin Area of Lagos ABOUT 6:30 PM 01/07/2022 Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 16 2- Floor Building of Christ Divine Apostolic Church 1 2 Oke Arin Street, Ilupeju, Palmgroove Area of Lagos Early Hours 13/07/2022 Distressed for about a year, but the landlord was non-chalant and kept collecting rent Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 17 A tank scaffholding of a 2-Storey building under renovation collapsed on a Bungalow 0 1 Lady -Lark, Bariga 21/08/2022 Loss of Live(s) = 2; Injured = 2 Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 18 A 7-storey building under construction 7 8 Oba-Idowu Oniru Street At about 3:00am on 04/09/2022 Loss of Live(s) = 6 Developer kept breaking the seal to continue construction (3 times). Who has been backing him up to keep breaking the seal: The ministry officials or powers that be? Former state commissioner for physical planningand urban development resigned over the matter Ayantoye, D. Punch Newspaper 19 1-Storey Building under construction 1 2 No. 12, Aromire Avenue, Opposite Dominos Pizza, Ikeja 18/01/2023 Loss of Live = 1 Sahara Reporters ,2023. 20 Hogh rise building under construction (6th floor concreting in progress as at the time of collapse 7 8 Banana Island, Ikoyi 12/04/2023 Workers trapped in the rubble Use of substandard materials and quackery (Ikpoto, E. 2023 , Punchnewspaper) James, S. (ThisDayLive); Vanguard News (2023). 21 3 floor building 2 3 Plot 5996, No43B, alond Ladipo Oluwole Street, Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos Early hours of 23/04/2023 Collapse of the Frontal area of the second floor Oke Osanyitolu 4.2 Causes and Determinants of Building Collapse The Building Collapse Prevention Guild in Lagos, Nigeria outlined among other factors the use of sub-standard materials, quackery or the engagement of non-professionals as some of the causes of building collapse as in the case of a seven-storey building in Banana Island, Lagos State (Ikpoto, 2023 ). In the same vein, the chairman NIA, Lagos State chapter opined that lack of monitoring and enforcement of existing and new laws, lack of domestication of National Building Code, Lack of Provision of Insurance for the Officials going for the monitoring and enforcement in case of attack from developers, Incompetence of Consultants, Cutting of corners by using substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites, Lack of penalty for cutting corners such as effecting arrests of defaulters and making them pay for demolition of poorly constructed structures. Similarly, the public relations officer, Nigerian Institute of Building appraised the causes of building collapse as the lack of properly scrutinized approvals especially for multi-storey buildings from government agencies; and the lack of physical site inspection before registering a building Table 3 Causes of Building Collapse in Lagos, Nigeria. S/N CAUSES 1. Inefficient monitoring and enforcement of existing and new laws 2 Lack of domestication of National Building Code 3 Lack of Provision of Insurance for the Officials going for the monitoring and enforcement in case of attack from developers. 4 Incompetence of Consultants 5 Cutting of corners by using substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites 6 Lack of penalty for cutting corners such as effecting arrests of defaulters and making them pay for demolition of poorly constructed structures. 7 Lack of properly scrutinised approvals especially for multi-storey buildings from government agencies 8 Lack of physical site inspection before registering a building 4.3 Solution to Building Collapse Proactive steps need to be taken in protecting the present and future of the Nigerian construction industry with regards to building collapse thereby allowing for a holistic sustainability. The likely way out of the rising spate of building collapse in Lagos, Nigeria include among others: S/N SOLUTIONS 1 Making of effective policies 2 Education of/Awareness creation among the stakeholders in the housing and human environmental sector 3. Making of efficient monitoring and enforcement of existing and new laws 4 Domestication of the National Building Code 5 Ensuring strict penalties and its enforcement on all stakeholders found culpable of violating construction principles and government policies 6 Provision of Insurance for the Officials going for the monitoring and enforcement in case of attack from developers. 7 Engaging competent Consultants 8 Establishment of construction site monitoring teams all over the nation should be prioritized by the government cum liasing with the registered professional bodies in the country. 9 Penalizing developers and other stakeholders who cut corners by using substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites 10 Effecting the arrest of defaulters and making them pay for demolition of poorly constructed structures. 11 Approvals especially for multi-storey buildings should be properly scrutinized by the appropriate government agencies 12 Physical site inspection should be conducted before registering a building 13 Whistle-blowers for poor shoddy construction projects should be encouraged with their safety guaranteed and ensured non-identity disclosure in the country 5 Conclusion The incessant building collapse in Lagos state been the commercial hub of Africa as outlined in this study, from the year 2020 till date has made it possible to safely conclude that the private sector comprising of developers are not complying with the building regulations and codes in the state. Moreover, there appears to be some discrepancies and hanky-panky in awarding building approval, monitoring and enforcement of regulations from the ends of the government officials in charge. Hence, strict penalties should be awarded to erring parties in order to safeguard lives, properties and redeem the image of the country at large. 6 Recommendation The making of effective policies and educating the stakeholders in the housing and human environmental sector in order to have a sustainably built environment and adopting an honest approach to all our dealings by all stakeholders to construction will have a positive influence in combating building collapse and improving sustainability of the Nigerian construction environment. Strict penalties should be made and enforced on all stakeholders found culpable of violating construction principles and government policies. Similarly, the contractors should be made to swear oaths to improve their conscience thereby creating an atmosphere of responsibility to saving human lives. Moreover, the professionals and their various bodies should wake up to their duties such as the establishment of construction site monitoring teams all over the nation. On sighting construction anomalies, spies should be encouraged with their safety and ensured non-identity disclosure in the country. All these and more will serve as a proactive step in safeguarding the present and future of the Nigerian construction industry thus bringing to reality the popular idiomatic expressions that “a stitch in time saves nine”. Declarations Author Contribution Every analysis was carried out by the corresponding author References Ayantoye, D. (2022). Building Collapse: 84 Lagosians killed in two years. https://punchng.com/building-collapse-84-lagosians-killed-in-two-years/#:~:text=Our correspondent gathered that three, result of lack of maintenance. Accessed on 8/5/2023. James, S. (2023). Another High-rise Building Collapses in Ikoyi, Many Trapped – THISDAYLIVE. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/04/13/another-high-rise-building-collapses-in-ikoyi-many-trapped/ . Accessed on 5/4/2023. Ikpoto, E. (2023). Substandard materials, quacks caused Banana Island building collapse – Report. https://punchng.com/substandard-materials-quacks-caused-banana-island-building-collapse-report/ . Accessed on 5/4/2023. VanguardNews (2023). No fatalities in Banana Island building collapse as Lagos Govt assures investigation - Vanguard News. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/no-fatalities-in-banana-island-building-collapse-as-lagos-govt-assures-investigation/ . Accessed on 5/4/2023. Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (2018). Polycentric Cities: The future of vertical urbanism. At Sea: Dubai’s Extraordinary Land Reclamation Efforts Dubai Off-Site Program | CTBUH 2018 Conference. 2018. ctbuh.org/off-site-programs/day-4-programs-dubai/the-palm/ . Accessed on 04/05/2023. Oseghale, G. E., Ikpo, I. J., & Ajayi, O. D. (2015). Causes and Effects of Building Collapse in Lagos State, Nigeria (Vol. 7). Civil and Environmental Research. No.4. Chendo, I. G., & Obi, N. I. (2015). Building Collapse in Nigeria: The Causes, Effects, Consequences and Remedies. International Journal of Civil Engineering Construction and Estate Management Vol , 3 (4), 41–49. Osho, G. S., & Adishi, O. (2019). The Effects of Macroeconomic Variables on Lagos State Economy: As Lagos EconomyGoes, So Goes the Economy of Nigeria? Journal of Economics and Development Studies. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335609601_The_Effects_of_Macroeconomic_Variables_on_Lagos_State_Economy_As_Lagos_Economy_Goes_So_Goes_the_Economy_of_Nigeria.Accessed 31/03/2024. The World Bank (2016). Abnormally Low Bids and Proposal and Proposal: Guide to the identification and treatment of Abnormally Low Bids and Proposal. https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/780841478724671583-0290022017/original/ProcurementGuidanceidentificationandtreatmentofAbnormallyLowBidsandProposals.pdf . Accessed 31/03/2024. Land reclamation in the United Arab Emirates (2023, November 25). In Wikipedia . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_reclamation_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates . Accessed on 5/12/2023. 1 Timothy 5:8. The Holy Bible. King James Version, KJV Bible. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editor assigned by journal 11 Apr, 2024 Submission checks completed at journal 11 Apr, 2024 First submitted to journal 10 Apr, 2024 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4248710","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":290201078,"identity":"d9c118ea-9685-4299-aacb-36488d64d995","order_by":0,"name":"Temidayo Olanrewaju Aduloju","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABD0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYJCCAzxgKoHxAAMPgxxY5AEe5TxIWhhAWozBWhIIaGFAaGFgSGyAsHEDe/buxANvag7L8bfnGBz4IHM4fX7Y4YdAW+zkdBtw2MJzdsPBOccOG0uceWNwcAbP4dyNt9MMgFqSjc0O4NAikbvhMA/b4cSGGzkGh3lAWmYngLQcSNyGS4v8W6CWf4cT50O1pBvOTv+AX4sE74bDvG2HEzdAtSTIS+cQsOVM7oaDc/vSjQ3PPCsA+iXdcIN0TsGBBAPcfmFvP7v5w5tv1nJyx5M3PvjYYy0vPzt984cPFXZyuLRAQTOEYuxhYDAAqzTAqxwE6qD0DwYG+QaCqkfBKBgFo2CEAQDgu2054YWfhgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Lagos State University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Temidayo","middleName":"Olanrewaju","lastName":"Aduloju","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-04-10 17:29:21","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4248710/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4248710/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":54778770,"identity":"af38122b-79b3-4857-a091-dc088f162b78","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-16 15:58:56","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":34524,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePie Chart showing the Percentages of the Floors of Collapsed Buildings Between September, 2020-May, 2023 in Lagos, Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSOURCE: Author, 2023.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4248710/v1/31e11fbc9a6f14bdabfc5bfa.png"},{"id":54778387,"identity":"7b7ab95c-76ca-4e86-9530-a7c9cedb8a82","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-16 15:50:56","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":36316,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eBar Chart Showing the Year and Number of Collapsed Building Floors in Lagos From September, 2020- May, 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSOURCE: Author, 2023.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4248710/v1/aff00738ff58ca0f5005a813.png"},{"id":54779231,"identity":"e5bf8651-6b47-4d4c-bcc9-26aa7444a8bb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-16 16:06:56","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":325824,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4248710/v1/6fa0f319-1b5d-45eb-8dda-98fa1055af3d.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eA Stitch in Time Saves Nine: a Review of the Infrastructural Construction and the Rising Spate of Building Collapse in Lagos, Nigeria in Comparison With Dubai, Uae\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1 INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThere has been record of about twenty major building collapses recorded in Lagos, Nigeria from 2020 till May, 2023. It was documented that no fewer than 84 persons lost their lives in 18 building collapses within the space of two years. Precisely, three were recorded in 2020, six in 2021 and nine in 2022 (Ayantoye, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, from observation; four have been recorded in year 2023 and more might still occur if the necessary precautionary steps are not taken. Taking a holistic overview of the trend of building collapse from 2012 to 2022, Ikpoto (2022) reported in one of the Nigerian leading newspapers that there has been a staggering record of 115 occurrences according to the data sourced from the Lagos State Branch of Building Collapse Prevention Guild.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese unfortunate incidences claimed about/or more than a hundred lives all together comprising of workers, sponsors, building owners and some random persons who happened to be in the environment at the time of occurrences. This casualty level implies that the construction industry has a great influence on mortality rate in Nigeria, whose activities and policies require keen attention in order to mitigate the threat it is poising to the environment and the lives of human beings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrevious researchers have attributed building collapse to poor soil structure, use of inferior materials bad design, faulty construction, lack of expertise, ineffective enforcement of building codes by the appropriate agencies among others which are all very true (Chendo \u0026amp; Obi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Oseghale et. Al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). However, this study pried into the factors influencing building collapse ranging from the psychology of the building owner, sponsor, bidding contractors and the nature of the average Nigerian wanting to maximize profit at all cost to the detriment of good-quality end products which impacts on the end users and the general populace.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn a fast-developing economy like Dubai, the construction of monumental high-rise buildings has caused a spike in the tourism, rebranding the country and increasing the GDP. Despite the emergence of these skyscrapers, there have been little or no incidences of building collapse even though most of the buildings are constructed on reclaimed areas of land such the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, the World Islands and Palm Islands (Wikipedia, 2023). This evil trend of building collapse that has befallen Nigeria in the construction industry has some likely impacts such as the sending of bad signal to the global world, creation of fear in the minds of prospective occupant s and passers-by, drastic withdrawal from investing in the Nigerian construction industry by the foreign investors among others. Hence, all the stakeholders privy to the happenings in the construction industry of Nigeria need to buckle up and re-strategize to confront this cancer that is about to eat up this important sector.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 LITERATURE REVIEW","content":"\u003cp\u003eLagos state is representative of Nigeria and Africa at large because of its economic contribution in terms of high GDP index, population explosion, and tourism. In other words, it is the commercial and business capital of Nigeria (Osho \u0026amp; Adishi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). The influx of several persons and companies to the small landmass area prompted the need for geographical expansion, thus land reclamation became the order of the day in\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBidding contractors at the initiation stage of building construction have been observed to submit unrealistically low estimates which make them reduce project quality thereby leading to suspension of works, abandonment, building collapses and sometimes death (The World Bank,2016 ). Some past researches justified this act from the economic standpoint as wanting to have a job at hand in order to keep the company running, and the psychology perspective of wanting to provide for their home or keep the body, soul and spirit together as written in the christian holy book that a man who fails to provide for his home is worse than an infidel ( KJV Bible).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA typical scenario is the act of selection of the least bid as the best bid by construction companies or the influence of personal relationship on the selection process which in turn triggers the act of dishonesty in the bidding contractors to cut the prices of building materials drastically with the intention of reducing the quantity and quality of materials to be used. Also, the necessary quality tests like cube test for concrete works and tensile strength tests for reinforcements are skipped because of cost and trivialization of the process, some professionals and experts to be involved where necessary are replaced with quacks with the alibi of costly professional fees which consequently creates a disservice to the sustainability of the Nigerian construction environment. It is however mind-boggling how all the parties involved forget or fail to acknowledge that the law of karma of \u0026ldquo;whatever you sow you will reap\u0026rdquo; exists in reality.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe misnomer at the initiation process is followed through to the execution or construction stage; such as not allowing the concrete work to set for the stipulated number of 21 days when using the ordinary Portland cement (opc).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother, perspective to this anomaly is the self-esteem attached to ownership of lands and houses in some choice locations. Celebrities both the theatre artistes, musicians, politicians and other well to do citizens of the country both home and abroad flaunt their wealth and massage their egos by claiming ownership of some parts of Lagos. Examples of such areas include the Island, the likes of Victoria Island, Bana Island, Ikate-Elegushi axis, Apapa, Magodo; and some parts of the mainland (Ikeja, Festac).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is not a crime to reclaim land from the sea or ocean as the case may be, however, it will morally and legally become one if there are no environmental impact assessment mitigation standards and methods provided before allocating such lands to the prospective developers and home owners.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe questions that keep coming to mind include how Dubai also achieved their own reclamation of land from the ocean without all these hullabaloos of building collapse that is been experienced in Nigeria. In Dubai, multiple city-sized projects such as \u0026ldquo;The Palm\u0026rdquo; which is believed to be the most established of these massively ambitious projects. It is a group of palm-frond-shaped islands which has a monorail, a road tunnel and an extensive waterpark resort and several new tall buildings in contrast to the open water it was in the last 20 years (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Nigeria, several issues need to be addressed such as the effectiveness of state government officials in granting building permit without prejudice, approval of storey heights to be constructed on these lands depending on the soil bearing capacity. The specific type of building foundations approved for these types of buildings on the Island, the input of construction professionals in carrying out researches to introduce standard light-weight construction materials to the industry to reduce the weight of buildings on the soil among others. Therefore, this study identified the major causes of building collapse in Nigeria; its implication to the stakeholders of the building process cum the general public; and the probable solutions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3 RESEARCH METHODS","content":"\u003cp\u003eA literature review and an in-depth analysis of the likely causes and determinants of building collapse in Lagos Nigeria, an overpopulated small land mass area surrounded by a large body of water was carried out.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4 Findings and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.1\u003c/strong\u003e Building Collapse Trend in Lagos (September, 2020-May, 2023)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFindings related to the review as shown on Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e below revealed the trend of building collapse in Lagos between September, 2022 and May, 2023. It was further observed on Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e that seven numbers 3-storey buildings or buildings comprising 4-floors topped the chart of collapsed buildings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBuilding Collapse Trend in Lagos (September, 2020-May, 2023)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS/N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBuilding Type\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo of Storey(s)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo of Floor(s)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLocation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDate, Month \u0026amp; Year of Collapse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExtent of Damage\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCause\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMeasures Taken\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSource of Information\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-storey building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo. 26, Afolabi Alasia Street, Gaskiya Road, Ijora-Badia\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10/09/2020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePartial Building Collapse. No loss of lives\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of Maintenance: visible cracks on the backside and dilapidation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 Storey Building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExcel College in Ejigbo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19/09/2020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSchool was on vacation: No loss of life\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 Storey-Building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLagos Island\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11/10/2020\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Lives\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInjured\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe building caved in (cause unknown)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBungalow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMounted Troop Police Barracks, Ikeja\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e04/05/2021\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of live\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1(Peace Bulus;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInjured\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3-Storey Building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo. 19, Church Street, Off Adeniji Adele Street, Lagos Island\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e08/07/2021\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1 (5year old)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2-Storey Building under construction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77, Tapa Road, Oke-Ojo, Isawo in Ikorodu\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20/07/2021\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1 (Pastor Daniel Obasi, the Landlord)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21-Storey Building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGerrard Road, Ikoyi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1/11/2021\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;46 (including the building developer, Femi Osibona)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15 Floors were approved, but 21 floors were constructed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCommittees were set up to probe the incident (Lagos State Government; Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute; Council of the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2- Storey Edifice\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOsapa London Area, Lekki\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2/11/2021\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCaved in after heavy rainfall\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2-Storey Building under construction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMagbon, Badagry Area,\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17/11/2021\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Lives\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4 Construction Workers;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInjured\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3-Storey Building under construction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAkanbi Crescent, Yaba\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12/02/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Lives\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCollapsed during Heavy Rainfall\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDeeper Life Bible Church Auditorium\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIragbo Community, Badagry\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24/04/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInjure\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3-Storey Building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIbadan Street, Ebute-Metta area.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e01/05/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Lives\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10 Tenants;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInjured\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProperties\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;In millions of naira\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 Storey Building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChris Igadi Street, Opposite Kilimanjaro, Off Ago Palace Way.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e07/05/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0 (Tenants evacuated the area on hearing crumpling sounds 2 hours before the collapse)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3-Story building under construction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAlayaki Lane, Lagos Island\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21/05/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live(s)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInjured\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInitial Bungalow been converted to a 3-Storey Structure by a Developer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRCCG 3-Story Building under Construction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMushin Area of Lagos\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eABOUT 6:30 PM 01/07/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2- Floor Building of Christ Divine Apostolic Church\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOke Arin Street, Ilupeju, Palmgroove Area of Lagos\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEarly Hours 13/07/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDistressed for about a year, but the landlord was non-chalant and kept collecting rent\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA tank scaffholding of a 2-Storey building under renovation collapsed on a Bungalow\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLady -Lark, Bariga\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21/08/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live(s)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInjured\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA 7-storey building under construction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOba-Idowu Oniru Street\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt about 3:00am on 04/09/2022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live(s)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDeveloper kept breaking the seal to continue construction (3 times).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWho has been backing him up to keep breaking the seal: The ministry officials or powers that be?\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFormer state commissioner for physical planningand urban development resigned over the matter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAyantoye, D. Punch Newspaper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-Storey Building under construction\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo. 12, Aromire Avenue, Opposite Dominos Pizza, Ikeja\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18/01/2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLoss of Live\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSahara Reporters ,2023.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHogh rise building under construction (6th floor concreting in progress as at the time of collapse\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBanana Island, Ikoyi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12/04/2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWorkers trapped in the rubble\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUse of substandard materials and quackery\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e(Ikpoto, E. \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e, Punchnewspaper)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eJames, S. (ThisDayLive);\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVanguard News (2023).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 floor building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlot 5996, No43B, alond Ladipo Oluwole Street, Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEarly hours of 23/04/2023\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCollapse of the Frontal area of the second floor\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOke Osanyitolu\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.2 Causes and Determinants of Building Collapse\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Building Collapse Prevention Guild in Lagos, Nigeria outlined among other factors the use of sub-standard materials, quackery or the engagement of non-professionals as some of the causes of building collapse as in the case of a seven-storey building in Banana Island, Lagos State (Ikpoto, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the same vein, the chairman NIA, Lagos State chapter opined that lack of monitoring and enforcement of existing and new laws, lack of domestication of National Building Code, Lack of Provision of Insurance for the Officials going for the monitoring and enforcement in case of attack from developers, Incompetence of Consultants, Cutting of corners by using substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites, Lack of penalty for cutting corners such as effecting arrests of defaulters and making them pay for demolition of poorly constructed structures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilarly, the public relations officer, Nigerian Institute of Building appraised the causes of building collapse as the lack of properly scrutinized approvals especially for multi-storey buildings from government agencies; and the lack of physical site inspection before registering a building\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCauses of Building Collapse in Lagos, Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS/N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCAUSES\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInefficient monitoring and enforcement of existing and new laws\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of domestication of National Building Code\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of Provision of Insurance for the Officials going for the monitoring and enforcement in case of attack from developers.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIncompetence of Consultants\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCutting of corners by using substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of penalty for cutting corners such as effecting arrests of defaulters and making them pay for demolition of poorly constructed structures.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of properly scrutinised approvals especially for multi-storey buildings from government agencies\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLack of physical site inspection before registering a building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e4.3 Solution to Building Collapse\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProactive steps need to be taken in protecting the present and future of the Nigerian construction industry with regards to building collapse thereby allowing for a holistic sustainability. The likely way out of the rising spate of building collapse in Lagos, Nigeria include among others:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eS/N\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSOLUTIONS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaking of effective policies\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducation of/Awareness creation among the stakeholders in the housing and human environmental sector\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaking of efficient monitoring and enforcement of existing and new laws\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDomestication of the National Building Code\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEnsuring strict penalties and its enforcement on all stakeholders found culpable of violating construction principles and government policies\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eProvision of Insurance for the Officials going for the monitoring and enforcement in case of attack from developers.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEngaging competent Consultants\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEstablishment of construction site monitoring teams all over the nation should be prioritized by the government cum liasing with the registered professional bodies in the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePenalizing developers and other stakeholders who cut corners by using substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEffecting the arrest of defaulters and making them pay for demolition of poorly constructed structures.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eApprovals especially for multi-storey buildings should be properly scrutinized by the appropriate government agencies\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePhysical site inspection should be conducted before registering a building\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhistle-blowers for poor shoddy construction projects should be encouraged with their safety guaranteed and ensured non-identity disclosure in the country\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe incessant building collapse in Lagos state been the commercial hub of Africa as outlined in this study, from the year 2020 till date has made it possible to safely conclude that the private sector comprising of developers are not complying with the building regulations and codes in the state. Moreover, there appears to be some discrepancies and hanky-panky in awarding building approval, monitoring and enforcement of regulations from the ends of the government officials in charge. Hence, strict penalties should be awarded to erring parties in order to safeguard lives, properties and redeem the image of the country at large.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6 Recommendation","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe making of effective policies and educating the stakeholders in the housing and human environmental sector in order to have a sustainably built environment and adopting an honest approach to all our dealings by all stakeholders to construction will have a positive influence in combating building collapse and improving sustainability of the Nigerian construction environment. Strict penalties should be made and enforced on all stakeholders found culpable of violating construction principles and government policies. Similarly, the contractors should be made to swear oaths to improve their conscience thereby creating an atmosphere of responsibility to saving human lives. Moreover, the professionals and their various bodies should wake up to their duties such as the establishment of construction site monitoring teams all over the nation. On sighting construction anomalies, spies should be encouraged with their safety and ensured non-identity disclosure in the country. All these and more will serve as a proactive step in safeguarding the present and future of the Nigerian construction industry thus bringing to reality the popular idiomatic expressions that \u0026ldquo;a stitch in time saves nine\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery analysis was carried out by the corresponding author\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAyantoye, D. (2022). Building Collapse: 84 Lagosians killed in two years. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://punchng.com/building-collapse-84-lagosians-killed-in-two-years/#:~:text=Our\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://punchng.com/building-collapse-84-lagosians-killed-in-two-years/#:~:text=Our\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e correspondent gathered that three, result of lack of maintenance. Accessed on 8/5/2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJames, S. (2023). Another High-rise Building Collapses in Ikoyi, Many Trapped \u0026ndash; THISDAYLIVE. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/04/13/another-high-rise-building-collapses-in-ikoyi-many-trapped/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/04/13/another-high-rise-building-collapses-in-ikoyi-many-trapped/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed on 5/4/2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIkpoto, E. (2023). Substandard materials, quacks caused Banana Island building collapse \u0026ndash; Report. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://punchng.com/substandard-materials-quacks-caused-banana-island-building-collapse-report/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://punchng.com/substandard-materials-quacks-caused-banana-island-building-collapse-report/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed on 5/4/2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVanguardNews (2023). No fatalities in Banana Island building collapse as Lagos Govt assures investigation - Vanguard News. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/no-fatalities-in-banana-island-building-collapse-as-lagos-govt-assures-investigation/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/no-fatalities-in-banana-island-building-collapse-as-lagos-govt-assures-investigation/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed on 5/4/2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCouncil on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (2018). Polycentric Cities: The future of vertical urbanism. At Sea: Dubai\u0026rsquo;s Extraordinary Land Reclamation Efforts Dubai Off-Site Program | CTBUH 2018 Conference. 2018.\u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ectbuh.org/off-site-programs/day-4-programs-dubai/the-palm/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://ctbuh.org/off-site-programs/day-4-programs-dubai/the-palm/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed on 04/05/2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOseghale, G. E., Ikpo, I. J., \u0026amp; Ajayi, O. D. (2015). \u003cem\u003eCauses and Effects of Building Collapse in Lagos State, Nigeria\u003c/em\u003e (Vol. 7). Civil and Environmental Research. No.4.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChendo, I. G., \u0026amp; Obi, N. I. (2015). Building Collapse in Nigeria: The Causes, Effects, Consequences and Remedies. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Civil Engineering Construction and Estate Management Vol\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e3\u003c/em\u003e(4), 41\u0026ndash;49.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOsho, G. S., \u0026amp; Adishi, O. (2019). The Effects of Macroeconomic Variables on Lagos State Economy: As Lagos EconomyGoes, So Goes the Economy of Nigeria? Journal of Economics and Development Studies. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/335609601_The_Effects_of_Macroeconomic_Variables_on_Lagos_State_Economy_As_Lagos_Economy_Goes_So_Goes_the_Economy_of_Nigeria.Accessed\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335609601_The_Effects_of_Macroeconomic_Variables_on_Lagos_State_Economy_As_Lagos_Economy_Goes_So_Goes_the_Economy_of_Nigeria.Accessed\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 31/03/2024.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe World Bank (2016). Abnormally Low Bids and Proposal and Proposal: Guide to the identification and treatment of Abnormally Low Bids and Proposal. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/780841478724671583-0290022017/original/ProcurementGuidanceidentificationandtreatmentofAbnormallyLowBidsandProposals.pdf\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/780841478724671583-0290022017/original/ProcurementGuidanceidentificationandtreatmentofAbnormallyLowBidsandProposals.pdf\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed 31/03/2024.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLand reclamation in the United Arab Emirates (2023, November 25). In \u003cem\u003eWikipedia\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_reclamation_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_reclamation_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed on 5/12/2023. 1 Timothy 5:8. The Holy Bible. King James Version, KJV Bible.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"asian-journal-of-civil-engineering","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Asian Journal of Civil Engineering](https://www.springer.com/journal/42107)","snPcode":"42107","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/42107/3","title":"Asian Journal of Civil Engineering","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Building Collapse, Construction Industry, Environmental sustainability, Lagos State, Dubai","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4248710/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4248710/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIt is high time the Nigerian construction industry stakeholders faced the reality and collectively combated the rising spate of building collapse in some parts of the country before it sinks the industry to an all-time low. Lagos is a state in Nigeria with a land mass area surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, while Dubai, known in recent times for the reclamation of land which has led to the building of several industrial areas like the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, the World Islands and Palm Islands. Vertical cities construction and industries continue to spring up in Dubai without the menace of building collapse and environmental degradation. However, Lagos State in Nigeria is bedeviled with a lot of saddening stories of building collapse and environmental pollution from the construction of storey buildings and manufacturing industries. Therefore, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the two cities in question taking special cognizance of the geographical similarities. A literature review and an in-depth analysis of the likely causes and determining factors of building collapse in Lagos Nigeria, an overpopulated small land mass area surrounded by a large body of water was carried out. Findings from the study revealed the little or no physical site inspection before registering a building, cutting of corners through the use of substandard construction materials and opening of sealed sites by contractors and developers and lack of properly scrutinized approvals especially for multi-storey buildings from government agencies among others as the causes of building collapse in Nigeria. It is recommended that effective policies and education of the stakeholders in the housing and human environmental sector in order to have a sustainably built environment should be given proper attention. Moreover, premium should be placed on establishing construction site monitoring teams all over the nation by the government with the knowledge of the various professional bodies. All these and more will help in protecting the present and future of the Nigerian construction industry in combating building collapse and improving holistic sustainability. Thus, bringing to reality the popular idiomatic expressions that \u0026ldquo;a stitch in time saves nine\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: a Review of the Infrastructural Construction and the Rising Spate of Building Collapse in Lagos, Nigeria in Comparison With Dubai, Uae","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-04-16 15:50:51","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4248710/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-04-11T16:14:40+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2024-04-11T15:44:16+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Asian Journal of Civil Engineering","date":"2024-04-10T17:19:12+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"asian-journal-of-civil-engineering","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Asian Journal of Civil Engineering](https://www.springer.com/journal/42107)","snPcode":"42107","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/42107/3","title":"Asian Journal of Civil Engineering","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"7a3ab779-9c9b-4e52-b975-3a22da60fd8d","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 16th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-04-16T15:50:51+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-04-16 15:50:51","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4248710","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4248710","identity":"rs-4248710","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}