Sanwo-Olu orders Indefinite suspension of Building Control Agency’s GM

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the Indefinite suspension of the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki following the collapse of a 21 storey building under construction on Gerrard road, Ikoyi.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso who announced this in a statement said a help desk is to be set up at the site for people seeking information about their relations who may have been involved in the incident.

Mr Omotoso who notified the media that government would be releasing information whenever the need arises to avoid any sensational reporting of the unfortunate incident, said the State is also setting up an independent panel to probe the collapse of the 21-storey building.

According to the Commissioner, members of the panel will be drawn from the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and other professional bodies and it will independently investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and make recommendations on how to prevent future occurrence. The investigation is not part of the internal probe already being conducted by the government.

Mr Omotoso revealed that the government will embark on further foundation and borehole acidic level tests to ascertain the impact on the collapsed building. These tests, particularly the borehole acidic level, is important for the entire Gerrard Road and adjoining areas.

He restated that all developers and property owners are required to adhere strictly to all Building Codes and Planning Regulations to ensure the safety of lives and property. Those who ignore such regulations, breaking seals and defying enforcement, will surely be prosecuted.

Rescue operation is still ongoing at the site of the collapsed building and more equipment and personnel have been deployed to save more lives from the incident in which fourteen mortalities have been recorded while nine persons have been pulled out alive from the rubble as at 2 o’clock this afternoon.