Ikoyi Building Collapse: ANCA Advises Govt not to Rush Investigation

Bennett Oghifo

The Association of Nigerian Chartered Architects (ANCA) has called on the Lagos State Government to institute three levels of probe into the unfortunate collapse of a three storey building in Ikoyi Lagos, recently.

The investigation of what actually caused the tower to collapse should not be rushed to ensure it served its purpose. “We have been following the developments in the Nigerian Physical Development space since the

unfortunate collapse of a 21-storey development along Gerald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which was under

construction. After wide consultation on the matter, we have chosen to give our professional views on

these unfortunate and ugly developments, ANCA said in a statement signed by its President, Arc. Moyosore Omatsone, and Secretary, Arc. Adekoyejo Jolaoso.

Thus, they recommended “a Political Probe, which the Governor has promptly set up to douse tension and consider the general implications towards making consequential policy decisions and statements.

“We understand the following are the Terms of Reference: to identify the remote and immediate

cause of the building collapse; to ascertain whether there was a compromise of the building codes

by the developer, his contractor and statutory agencies; to identify culprits; and to make necessary

recommendations to guard against re=occurrence.

In our view, the 30-day deadline should be adequate for that.

“A Technical Probe, which should be carefully set up with all technical personnel in the building,

construction and property industries. This panel should be given enough to address a myriad of

technical issues involved in such a complex development. Issues to be investigated should include,

among others,

The third layer, according to ANCA should be “a Judicial Probe or Corona’s Inquest, which should be given enough time to investigate the legal implications of the first two probes. It is our submission that this probe or inquest and the technical probe should not be rushed. “This probe should address the fundamental questions whether the developer is dead or alive and make a judicial pronouncement. It is our understanding that, the developer is Fourscore Homes Limited and before we are beclouded by the sentiment of “you do not deride or castigate the dead” a judicial pronouncement would be

necessary. Every question that needs an answer from the developer regarding this calamity must be asked.

According to ANCA, “If we are required to make an official presentation, either oral or written, at any probe connected with the subject matter, we shall very gladly avail ourselves. Hopefully, a time will come when probes of this nature and similar ones, the report of which, dot

government offices and judicial libraries, will result in reducing this National cankerworm called building

collapse.”