The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has issued a strong call to the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) for immediate action regarding the officials implicated in the collapse of a 6-storey building within Lekki Gardens Estate, Ikate, Elegushi, Lekki. The organization expressed its frustration over the lack of feedback from CORBON, despite assurances of commitment to addressing the issue.
In a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to CORBON’s Registrar and CEO, Bldr. Adetunji Adeniran, the civil society organisation highlighted the urgent need for accountability and enforcement of building regulations to prevent further tragedies. The letter follows up on a previous correspondence dated February 23, 2024, where CORBON assured HEDA of its commitment to addressing any infractions in line with the Builders (Registration, etc) Act, Cap B.13 LFN 2004.
Suraju emphasized in the letter that it has been over four months without any feedback from CORBON regarding actions taken or outcomes of their complaint. HEDA is demanding that CORBON, in line with Section 16(3) of the CORBON Act, adopt the report of the investigation conducted by the technical committee set up by the Lagos State Government. The committee’s report indicted officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
HEDA specifically calls for the Registered Builders Investigating Panel to refer Engr. Adeigbe Olushola, Bldr. Adeoye Thomas Adeyemi, Bldr. Dosunmu Gbadebo, and Tpl. Mrs. Akinde Adenike Sherifat to the Registered Disciplinary Tribunal for appropriate sanctions in accordance with Section 16(1) of the CORBON Act.
Adding to the urgency, Suraju said, “It is also disheartening that during the four months that HEDA did not receive a response from CORBON, there have been other reported cases of buildings collapse in Delta and Lagos States. In Lagos, a 3-storey building at Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, collapsed, with allegations that the building materials were substandard, causing it to sink and tilt.
He added, “Last week in Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, a section of a 9-storey building under construction collapsed, killing one person and injuring several others. The Delta State government has since sealed the site and ordered an investigation into the incident.
The letter underscores HEDA’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of citizens and the nation, urging CORBON to expedite their actions and provide feedback on the petition.
