Building collapse: Lagos urged to leverage technology solutions

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has called on the Lagos State Government to utilise technology for monitoring building performance and identifying potential risks. Mr Gbolahan Oyelakin, the BCPG Ikeja Cell Coordinator, shared this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday. Oyelakin emphasised that adopting technological solutions is vital […]

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has called on the Lagos State Government to utilise technology for monitoring building performance and identifying potential risks.

Mr Gbolahan Oyelakin, the BCPG Ikeja Cell Coordinator, shared this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

Oyelakin emphasised that adopting technological solutions is vital for preventing building collapses. “The government should deploy technology to observe building performance rather than waiting for incidents to occur before taking action,” he said.

He highlighted the potential of technology to enable remote monitoring of a building’s condition and lifecycle assessment.

“There are materials with specific lifespans; for example, if a material is expected to last for ten years, using a substandard alternative could shorten that to two years. Technology can predict when a building will fail if compromised materials are used,” he explained. This proactive approach can prevent neglect until signs of collapse appear.

He praised the Lagos State Building Control Agency for its efforts in addressing building safety concerns, citing its recent initiative to demolish 15 unsafe structures in Iponri. He noted the agency’s engagement with occupants to discuss safety measures and necessary actions.

Oyelakin stressed the importance of effective data management in preventing building collapses, stating that data analysis can enhance understanding of human behaviour, particularly in cost management during economic downturns.

Additionally, he underscored the significance of insurance policies in the construction industry, urging stricter adherence to these policies.

“Currently, many have insurance only on paper, failing to comply with terms and conditions,” he warned, advocating for robust monitoring mechanisms to enforce compliance with insurance requirements.