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Stakeholders Urge Government to Address Rising Incidents of Building Collapses

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Amid growing concerns over the frequent building collapses and demolitions across Nigeria, stakeholders are calling on the government to take immediate and decisive action to tackle this issue. The recent spate of collapses has led to significant economic losses, social disruption, and tragic loss of life, prompting urgent demands for stronger regulatory measures.

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has been particularly vocal, following a devastating building collapse in Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos. On July 25, 2024, a three-story building, including a penthouse, collapsed at 13 Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Mende, Maryland, claiming the lives of five people. The BCPG has expressed deep concern over the handling of this incident, highlighting what they see as systemic failures in construction oversight and safety regulations.

During an investigation at the site of the collapse, the BCPG identified several critical issues that demand immediate government attention. The presence of newly constructed pile caps raised questions about the construction methods employed and the building’s overall structural integrity. The guild has called for a thorough investigation to uncover the root causes of the collapse and to reassess the current standards governing the construction industry.

BCPG representatives, Mr. Soji Adeniji and Fatai Balogun, emphasized that this tragedy is part of a broader pattern of negligence within the construction sector. They noted that despite ongoing monitoring by government officials, the existing regulatory framework has been ineffective in preventing such disasters.

In response to these concerns, the BCPG has put forward several recommendations aimed at enhancing building safety and preventing future collapses:

1. Comprehensive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Conduct NDT on all buildings exhibiting signs of structural distress, particularly in areas near recent collapse sites. This will help assess the integrity of these structures and prevent further incidents.

2. Thorough Verification of Soil Investigation Reports: Ensure that all soil investigation reports submitted for construction projects are accurate and detailed. This includes verifying the findings to address any gaps in geotechnical surveys and imposing strict penalties for negligence.

3. Concurrent Forensic Investigations: Implement forensic investigations alongside rescue operations to accurately determine the causes of building collapses. This approach will help uncover any malpractice in the construction process and hold responsible parties accountable.

4. Enhanced Accountability and Training: Introduce stringent accountability measures for construction errors and ensure that all projects comply with both local and international standards. Regular training for oversight staff should focus on conducting comprehensive technical audits and preventing corruption.

5. Rigorous Construction Supervision and Certification: Establish a robust system for inspecting and certifying construction projects at all stages. This should include regular safety audits and evaluations of contractor performance, with findings made publicly accessible.

6. Combatting Unqualified Practitioners: Create and maintain a comprehensive database of licensed construction professionals, detailing their qualifications and experience. Ensure that only qualified individuals are authorized to participate in construction projects, and thoroughly assess design indemnity and insurance policies.

The BCPG concluded by urging the government to take these recommendations seriously and to launch a comprehensive investigation into the systemic issues contributing to building collapses. They stressed the importance of a collaborative effort involving government agencies, construction companies, and community stakeholders to uphold safety standards and ensure accountability.

The guild remains committed to advocating for safer construction practices and seeks justice for the victims of recent building collapses. They are awaiting the government’s response and the public release of the investigation report to address these urgent concerns and work towards a safer built environment for all Nigerians.

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PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments

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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to retract his publicly disparaging remarks made recently against the socio-political body.

PANDEF described as regrerrable and embarrassing comments by Wike in the aftermath of the group’s visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, even to the extent of insulting the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin.

Recall that the FCT minister had, on Thursday, during a media chat, described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on”, while also calling the board of trustee members of the body “political merchants”.

In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman on Saturday in Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, urged President Tinubu as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent.

Igali clarified that the meeting with the president provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance. Adding that “PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”

His words: ^To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six SouthSouth states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.

“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.

“The Honourable Minister (Wike) characterized PANDEF as the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.

“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.

“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” Igali stated.

On efforts to restore peace in River State, Igali restated PANDEF’s commitment for peace in the oil-rich State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis,” Igali stated.

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IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

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The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government to either charge to court or release individuals allegedly detained for the past five weeks without trial.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor criticized what he described as “violations of citizens’ rights,” emphasizing that the detainees have not been presented before any court or formally charged with a crime.

“Today, March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offense or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights,” Ejiofor stated.

He expressed concern that the detainees were not held by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military, but instead in an undisclosed facility, without any official explanation from the government.

Ejiofor, who has previously supported the government’s security efforts, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

“I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity and have publicly urged the government to act against criminal elements. However, this must be done legally and transparently,” he said.

While commending the efforts of the state’s Agụnechemba security outfit, Ejiofor insisted that professionalism and adherence to due process are crucial.

He reaffirmed his support for lawful measures to combat crime but warned that arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in the government’s security strategy.

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Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism

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The Osun State Amotekun Corps has denied allegations of nepotism in its ongoing recruitment of 1,000 cadets, following claims by some dismissed recruits that they were removed in favor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

Some affected candidates, seen outside the NYSC camp venue in Osogbo, alleged they were removed due to their affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the group, a dismissed cadet, Usman, claimed that they had been in camp since Sunday before being replaced by PDP members, some of whom, he alleged, were unfit for training.

However, Amotekun’s Board Chairman, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abass, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that those removed from the training camp either failed to meet the required standards or did not follow the proper recruitment process.

“The 1,000 cadets invited for training went through a rigorous selection process. They submitted applications online, underwent document verification, and passed physical fitness tests before being invited to camp,” Abass stated.

He further revealed that some unqualified individuals managed to gain access to the camp, while some selected candidates failed to meet the reporting deadline. Those with health issues were also disqualified.

Abass reaffirmed that the Amotekun Corps remains committed to fairness and impartiality in its recruitment process. He described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the security outfit’s credibility.

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