Rescue efforts are still ongoing as emergency workers respond to the collapse of the Equal Rights Restaurant building in Ojodu, Lagos State, today, Saturday 19th April, 2025.
The issue of incessant building collapses in Lagos, Nigeria, has become a significant concern, highlighting serious challenges in construction standards, regulatory oversight, and urban planning.
Panic spread among residents of Oremeta Street in the Ojodu area of Lagos State on Saturday morning when a two-storey building housing the Equal Rights Restaurant fell, trapping numerous individuals inside.
The incident occurred around 9 am, reportedly ensnaring restaurant workers, customers, and a family present at the time of the collapse.
Emergency workers were observed at the site of the Equal Rights Restaurant building collapse in Ojodu, Lagos State, on Saturday. Photo: Daniel Ayantoye
When our correspondent arrived, emergency response teams—including the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services—were actively engaged in rescue operations.
In a statement to journalists, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that five individuals had been rescued alive by the time of this report.
“We are approaching the situation systematically, using heavy-duty and light-duty equipment to get to ground zero.
“We have credible information that more people are still under the rubble, so we are moving from one layer to the next, carefully checking for any survivors before proceeding,” he stated.
Factors contributing to these collapses often include:
- Poor Construction Practices: Many buildings are erected without adherence to proper engineering standards, using substandard materials and inadequate techniques.
- Corruption and Negligence: In some cases, developers may bypass regulations or bribe officials to overlook safety violations, leading to unsafe structures.
- Rapid Urbanization: Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, resulting in a high demand for housing and commercial spaces, often leading to hasty and poorly planned constructions.
- Inadequate Regulatory Framework: Enforcement of building codes and regulations is often weak, with insufficient inspections during and after construction.
- Environmental Factors: The city’s geographical conditions, including soil stability and drainage issues, can also contribute to structural failures if not properly addressed.
Efforts to mitigate these issues include calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations, improved training for construction workers, and public awareness campaigns about safety standards. Addressing the root causes of building collapses is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Lagos.