Lagos Govt Halts Six-Storey Building Project Over Safety Violations

The Lagos State Government has ordered the suspension of work on a six-storey building under construction at 28, Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, citing safety breaches and risks to lives and property.

The directive, issued by the Lagos State Safety Commission, comes barely two weeks after The PUNCH reported complaints from residents, who raised alarm over falling debris damaging nearby properties, cars, and endangering pedestrians.

“Boulders and planks from the site have been dropping into adjoining compounds, wrecking windows, walls, and ceilings, while posing serious danger to people passing by,” residents said in a petition.

In an update sent to The PUNCH on Sunday, the Director-General of the commission, Lanre Mojola, said further investigations were carried out following the initial outcry. He explained that although an abatement notice was earlier issued to the contractors, they failed to comply.

“Sequel to the publication of September 2, 2025, our officials revisited the site on September 11 for a thorough probe. Despite an earlier abatement notice directing the contractors to report to the commission within 48 hours, they ignored it. None of the infractions were corrected,” Mojola stated.

As a result, the commission served fresh contravention and stop-work orders, giving the builders another 48 hours to appear before officials in Alausa.

During a phone conversation, the project engineer, identified as Otunba Ayeni, reportedly claimed construction had been completed. However, safety officers faulted this assertion, insisting that crucial documents and safety requirements were disregarded from the onset.

Residents allege the controversial building is owned by a prominent South-West traditional ruler, though his identity has not been made public.