Lagos Govt demolishes distressed six-storey building in Ikoyi

The Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, has demolished a distressed six-storey residential building located at No. 10 Olufemi Pedro Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, as part of efforts to protect lives and properties in the area.

In a statement shared on X, the senior special assistant on new media to governor, Jubril Gawat, noted that the agency said the structure was identified during a routine monitoring exercise conducted by its officials within the Ikoyi-Obalende District, where several structural defects and regulatory violations were discovered.

According to LASBCA, the building showed signs of severe structural distress, prompting the agency to take immediate action to prevent a possible collapse.

Findings from the inspection revealed foundation failure and visible signs of sinking, while the structure also exhibited differential settlement, an indication of movement within its foundation.

Officials further observed several defects, including vertical cracks on structural elements, diagonal cracks on structural members, horizontal cracks on structural components, as well as cracks on the floors and perimeter fence.

The agency noted that the building had already started sinking, raising serious concerns about its stability and the safety of neighbouring properties.

LASBCA also discovered that the property lacked the required building documents, which constituted an additional violation.

Before the demolition exercise, the agency said all statutory notices were duly served on the property. These included a Contravention Notice for Distressed Structure, a Seal-Up Notice, and a Demolition Notice in line with existing laws.

The building had earlier been sealed by LASBCA’s Enforcement Department, while site inspections, documentation, photographs and other enforcement procedures were carried out.

According to the agency’s report, the owner or developer failed to respond to the notices issued on the property as of the time the report was prepared.

Speaking on the development, the General Manager of LASBCA, Bldr. Gbaye Florence, said the decision to remove the structure became necessary because of the extent of distress observed in the building.

“The presence of foundation failure, cracks on structural elements, differential settlement, and the sinking condition of the building made immediate action necessary,” Florence said.  

She stated that the agency remains committed to protecting public safety through continuous monitoring and strict enforcement of building control regulations across Lagos State.

Florence added that the removal of the building was aimed at preventing a potential collapse that could have resulted in loss of lives and damage to adjoining properties.

The General Manager urged property owners and developers to comply with building regulations and secure all necessary approvals before embarking on construction projects.

She also advised owners of distressed buildings to address structural defects promptly and cooperate with the agency whenever regulatory notices are issued.

Florence reaffirmed LASBCA’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that buildings across Lagos meet approved safety and construction standards.

She added that the agency would continue its routine monitoring of structures across the state and take appropriate action against any building found to pose a threat to lives and property.