Lagos physical planning commissioner resigns amid recurring collapse of buildings

Idris Salako, Lagos commissioner for physical planning and urban development, has resigned his appointment amid the recurring collapse of structures in the state.

The Lagos state government announced the commissioner’s resignation in a statement on Monday.

Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy, said the resignation is a “prelude” to the restructuring of the ministry for physical planning and urban development and its various agencies.

Omotoso said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, commended Salako for his service to the state.

“The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has accepted the resignation of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako,” the statement reads.

“This is a prelude to the restructuring of the Ministry and its agencies. Governor Sanwo-Olu thanks the Commissioner for his services to the State and wishes him success in his future endeavours.

“The Governor warns all players in the sector to respect the law or face the consequences of any indiscretion, no matter who the perpetrators are.”

The development comes amid the recurring trend of building collapse in Lagos.

On Sunday, a seven-storey uncompleted building collapsed at Oba Idowu Oniru street, in the Lekki area of Lagos.

At least six people were said to have been trapped in the rubble of the collapsed building — and four persons have been reported dead.

In May, the collapse of a three-storey building in the Ebute-Meta axis of state claimed at least eight lives.

In February, a three-storey building collapsed in the Onike area of Yaba, leading to several casualties.

On November 1, 2021, a 21-storey building, which was being developed by Fourscore Homes, collapsed in the Ikoyi axis of the state.

The collapse of the building led to the death of 46 people, while 15 others were rescued. Femi Osibona, the owner of Fourscore Homes, was among those who died in the incident.