Building Under Construction Collapses in Shomolu, Lagos

A two-storey building under construction collapsed on Craig Street in the Shomolu area of Lagos State during the decking phase, sparking renewed concerns over construction safety and regulatory enforcement in the metropolis.

The incident reportedly occurred while workers were in the process of laying concrete for one of the building’s floors.

Eyewitnesses said the structure caved in suddenly, with concrete slabs and scaffolding crashing into the lower level. It remains unclear if any workers were trapped or injured, although emergency responders are said to have arrived at the scene to assess the situation.

Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) were reportedly deployed to seal off the site and begin an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary concerns point toward possible use of substandard materials and non-compliance with structural regulations.

Craig Street, located within the densely populated Shomolu axis, is known for its mix of residential buildings and rapid development activity. Local residents expressed shock at the incident, noting that the building had been under construction for several weeks with no visible warning signs of impending failure.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has not issued a formal casualty report, and as of press time, no deaths have been confirmed.

This incident adds to the string of building collapses that have plagued Lagos in recent years. Experts frequently cite poor workmanship, unregulated construction activities, and weak enforcement of building codes as major contributing factors. In many cases, buildings either exceed approved designs or are erected with low-quality materials.

Lagos has witnessed numerous collapses in the past decade, including the tragic Ikoyi high-rise disaster in 2021 that claimed over 40 lives. Despite several investigative panels and safety campaigns, collapses continue to occur—often with devastating consequences.

Residents and civic groups have once again called on the Lagos State government to crack down on unapproved developments and ensure stricter oversight of construction projects across the state.

Authorities have promised to carry out a full investigation into the Craig Street collapse and prosecute any developers or contractors found to have violated the law.