Study of Building Collapse Incidents and Their Implications for Property Management in Lagos

This study examines the pattern of building collapse incidents in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, investigating their causes, frequency, locations, and implications for property management practice and regulatory oversight. Lagos has experienced numerous building collapse incidents in recent years, resulting in fatalities, property losses, and displacement of occupants, raising serious questions about structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and the responsibilities of property managers. The study adopts a descriptive analytical approach, reviewing Lagos State Building Control Agency records of collapse incidents between 2018 and 2023, supplemented by structured interviews with 20 structural engineers, 15 estate surveyors managing residential and commercial properties, and 10 LASBCA inspectors. Incidents are categorised by building type, age, location, structural material, and proximate cause. Findings show that the majority of collapse incidents involve residential buildings, predominantly in high-density inner-city areas such as Lagos Island, Surulere, and Mushin. Overloading of structures through additional storeys without structural assessment is identified as a major cause in 38 percent of incidents. Substandard construction materials, particularly below-specification reinforcement bars, contribute to 29 percent. Poor foundation design in sandy coastal soils accounts for 18 percent. Property managers who are aware of structural concerns report hesitation to report defects due to fear of vacancy or owner opposition. Recommendations include mandating regular structural condition surveys by registered engineers for properties above three storeys, strengthening LASBCA enforcement capacity, and criminalising deliberate failure to report known structural hazards. Keywords: building collapse, structural integrity, property management, Lagos, building regulation.