LASBCA evacuate residents from distressed Lagos Island building

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has evacuated residents and business operators from a distressed four-storey building on Lagos Island after discovering critical structural defects that could lead to its collapse.

The affected building, located at No. 10 Dogara Street, Lagos Island, was evacuated following a routine inspection by officials of the agency.

According to the Director of the Public Affairs Unit of LASBCA, Adu Ademuyiwa Adegoke, the inspection revealed severe differential foundation settlement, extensive cracks on major structural members, spalling of reinforced concrete slabs, exposed reinforcement bars in both slabs and columns, and a badly compromised foundation.

Adegoke added that the defects had rendered the building unsafe for continued occupation, prompting the agency to immediately evacuate all residents and shop owners to avert possible loss of lives and property.

The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, said the prompt action by the agency prevented what could have been a major disaster.

“Our prompt intervention has averted a potential disaster, safeguarding not only the occupants of the distressed building but also neighbouring properties that could have been severely impacted in the event of a collapse,” Florence said.

She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive building control measures, stressing that public safety remains the agency’s top priority.

Florence urged residents to report any building showing signs of structural distress, including visible cracks, excessive deflection, foundation settlement or other indications of structural instability.

She noted that early reporting and timely intervention remain critical to preventing avoidable building collapse incidents across the state.

The LASBCA boss assured residents that the agency would continue routine inspections, monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with building safety standards and promote a safer built environment across Lagos State.