The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Ogun State Chapter, has called for stronger collaboration among regulatory authorities, construction professionals, artisans, developers, and property owners to improve building safety and prevent structural failures across the state. This call was made at a joint Building Safety Awareness Programme organised in collaboration with the Ogun State Building Production Management Authority (OGBPMA). The programme aimed to discuss compliance with building regulations and measures to prevent structural failures.
The Building Safety Awareness Programme, held at Oronna Hall, Ilaro, brought together building developers, artisans, built-environment professionals, property owners, community representatives, and residents from Ilaro and the wider Yewa community. The Chairman of BCPG, Ogun State Chapter, Adedayo Ogunsola, emphasized that preventing building collapse required sustained professional vigilance, effective regulatory oversight, and cooperation among all stakeholders involved in construction. He explained that the Guild comprised registered members from seven built-environment professional groups.
According to Ogunsola, the combined expertise of the Guild's members enabled the organisation to monitor construction activities and promote compliance with established building standards. The Guild worked with OGBPMA officials to encourage developers to adhere to approved building plans, proper construction procedures, and statutory requirements. Ogunsola stressed that the Guild's monitoring activities were preventive and professionally guided, aiming to promote compliance without unnecessarily disrupting construction work.
The Coordinator of BCPG's Yewa-Ilaro Cell, Dr Olubenga Shoyemi, an engineer, highlighted some of the cell's activities, including providing free technical guidance to homeowners undertaking construction in the informal sector. Other notable attendees, including the former Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Ogun State Chapter, Ayoade Sorunke, and the Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Adebayo Dauda, emphasized the importance of collaboration among built-environment professionals.
The event also featured a call for reasonable statutory assessment fees and levies, as excessive charges could discourage property owners from obtaining building approvals and complying with regulations. The Carpenters Association raised concerns about the influx of substandard building materials into the market, posing safety risks during construction and after buildings were completed. They urged relevant authorities to intensify efforts to address the problem.
Government officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Abiola Ayodele, and the Acting General Manager of OGBPMA, Mrs Titilayo Oladogbon, outlined the government's expectations for compliance and the procedures for ensuring that construction projects met prescribed standards. The Ogun State Government had signed a memorandum of understanding with BCPG to support construction supervision across the state.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, urged participants to take the building safety message to their respective associations and communities. Participants were advised to use approved building plans, engage qualified professionals, obtain necessary building approvals, and secure required stage certifications throughout construction. The collaboration between BCPG and regulatory authorities aims to strengthen professional accountability and reduce practices that could compromise structural integrity.
Key points
- Building Collapse Prevention Guild calls for stronger collaboration to improve building safety in Ogun State.
- The Guild aims to promote compliance with building regulations and prevent structural failures.
- The Ogun State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with BCPG to support construction supervision.
