Ogun State is seeking tighter construction oversight and tougher enforcement of building regulations as safety professionals warn that poor workmanship, unapproved plans and substandard materials can put lives at risk.
The move was highlighted at a building safety awareness programme organised by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Ogun State Chapter, in partnership with the Ogun State Building Production Management Authority (OGBPMA) at Oronna Hall, Ilaro. The event brought together construction professionals, developers, artisans, property owners and community representatives to discuss ways to prevent avoidable structural failures.
A major announcement came from the Acting General Manager of OGBPMA, Mrs Titilayo Oladogbon, who disclosed that the Ogun State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BCPG to support construction supervision across the state.
According to Oladogbon, the arrangement would not impose additional charges on property owners beyond the necessary building approval fees. The partnership is intended to improve access to professional monitoring and encourage developers to comply with prescribed construction standards.
The practical test will be how consistently the arrangement is implemented, including how projects are inspected, defects are identified and violations are handled. The announcement did not specify the agreement’s implementation timeline, monitoring targets or enforcement arrangements.
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BCPG Ogun State Chairman, Builder Adedayo Ogunsola, said preventing building collapse required professional vigilance, effective regulation and cooperation among everyone involved in construction. He explained that the Guild draws expertise from seven built-environment disciplines, allowing members to identify unsafe practices and promote compliance with approved plans and construction procedures.
Ogunsola added that early detection of defects, qualified workmanship and continuous supervision were essential to improving structural safety. He said the Guild’s monitoring was designed to prevent problems without unnecessarily disrupting construction projects.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPl Abiola Ayodele, called on residents to engage qualified professionals and obtain the required approvals. She warned that detected violations would attract appropriate sanctions.
However, the discussions also exposed challenges that could undermine compliance. Members of the Carpenters Association raised concerns about substandard timber in open markets, warning that inferior materials could weaken buildings and compromise their durability.
Participants also called for reasonable statutory fees and levies, noting that excessive charges could discourage developers from seeking approval. This highlights a key challenge for regulators: enforcing safety rules while making compliance accessible to property owners.
The BCPG Yewa-Ilaro Cell Coordinator, Dr Olubenga Shoyemi, said the group had provided free technical guidance to homeowners undertaking construction in the informal sector. Such support could help residents identify mistakes before they become expensive or dangerous, particularly where projects lack regular professional supervision.
The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by Chief Ayo Dawotola, encouraged participants to take the safety message to their communities.
Safer buildings, to residents, depend on more than official warnings. Developers must use approved plans, employ qualified professionals and secure the necessary stage certifications, while regulators must identify violations and apply sanctions consistently.
The proposed government-Guild partnership offers a framework for stronger oversight, but its impact will depend on implementation, access to competent supervision and effective control of substandard materials. No specific enforcement targets or reduction in building collapses were announced at the programme.
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