The National Association of Nigerian Students (South-West Zone D) has called for a thorough investigation into the Lekki building collapse in Lagos State, while expressing sympathy to those affected and their families.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi, and released on Saturday, the group extended condolences to the family of Mr. John Asabere, described as a dedicated father and breadwinner who was reportedly among those who lost their lives in the incident.
The student body condemned the recurring cases of building collapse across the country, especially in Lagos, stressing that stronger enforcement of building regulations and more effective supervision by relevant authorities could help prevent such avoidable tragedies.
It also questioned the performance of regulatory agencies, particularly the Lagos State Building Control Agency, arguing that proper monitoring of construction sites should ensure strict compliance with approved safety standards.
As stated in the release, the group said: “It is disheartening that despite advancements in construction technology and regulatory frameworks, avoidable structural failures continue to claim lives that could have been saved through strict compliance with building standards and effective monitoring.”
It further added: “We are compelled to question the role of relevant regulatory authorities, particularly the Lagos State Building Control Agency, whose responsibility includes ensuring that construction projects adhere strictly to approved specifications and safety regulations. Incidents of this nature should have become a thing of the past if all necessary preventive measures and oversight responsibilities had been diligently carried out.”
The association also raised concerns over alleged attempts to downplay the incident and restrict information about the number of casualties, warning that such actions, if proven, would be unacceptable and a denial of justice to victims’ families.
“Even more disturbing are allegations that attempts have been made to downplay the severity of the incident and suppress information relating to the fatalities recorded at the site. If proven true, such actions represent a gross disregard for human life, an abuse of influence, and a deliberate attempt to deny grieving families the justice and closure they deserve.”
It called on security and investigative bodies to conduct a transparent, independent, and credible inquiry into the collapse, insisting that the process must be protected from interference or any form of cover-up.