By Nehemiah Anini
For The Chronicles of Construction
Residents and business owners on 28 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, are sounding the alarm over what they describe as an imminent threat to lives and property from an ongoing multi-storey development project.
The project, reportedly handled by Diplomat Homes Limited, has sparked outrage among occupants of neighbouring buildings, who accuse the developers of ignoring basic construction safety standards.
According to the residents, the absence of critical safety provisions — such as barricades, protective shields, and safety nets — has already led to damage in adjoining compounds.
“Planks, stones, and other materials keep falling into our compounds. Walls, ceilings, and even cars have been destroyed. It is only by God’s grace that no one has been injured so far,” lamented one of the affected occupants.
The fear isn’t just about cracked walls or broken windows. Many residents worry that if swift action isn’t taken, the lack of safety enforcement could lead to serious injury or loss of life.
The developers, who are said to have ties to a prominent traditional ruler in the South West, have so far remained silent on the allegations.
Residents are now appealing directly to the Lagos State Government to step in. They question the inaction of regulatory authorities such as the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the office of the Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab.
“We cannot wait for tragedy before something is done. The state must enforce compliance with safety standards,” they emphasized.
This case highlights a recurring concern in Nigeria’s built environment: the gap between rapid development and regulatory enforcement. While Lagos continues to expand as Africa’s commercial hub, safety cannot be sacrificed at the altar of speed or influence.
At The Chronicles of Construction, we will continue to follow this story and others like it, amplifying the voices of communities and ensuring accountability in the industry.
