The Iru–Victoria Island Cell of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, BCPG, has urged the Lagos State Government to make subsoil investigations compulsory for all construction projects in coastal communities, warning that inadequate soil testing remains a leading cause of structural failures.
The guild noted that the Iru–Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, LCDA, being bordered by the Five Cowrie Creek and the Atlantic Ocean, requires special attention to geotechnical studies before any building development.
In a statement jointly signed by its Coordinator, Architect Adefemi Afolabi; General Secretary, Quantity Surveyor Taiwo Ayanboade; and Public Relations Officer, Civil/Geotechnical Engineer Wale Oyetayo, the group stressed that subsoil investigations are critical in determining the mechanical properties and shear strength of the ground to ensure foundations can withstand building loads.
The BCPG explained that a comprehensive geotechnical report is essential for civil and structural engineers to design the most suitable foundation type for any proposed structure. It expressed concern that weak regulatory oversight in Lagos has led to poor soil testing practices, thereby increasing the risk of building collapse in coastal zones.
“Findings show a disparity between execution costs and contract sums, which often results in substandard soil tests. Such excuses are not acceptable, as no practitioner was compelled to take on projects at unsustainable prices,” the group stated.
While acknowledging ongoing reforms in building control, the BCPG insisted that stricter monitoring of geotechnical practices must be prioritized.
It also called for collaboration between government agencies, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders to enhance capacity, enforce standards, and ensure transparency in soil testing.
The guild emphasized the importance of assessing laboratories that conduct critical shear strength tests such as Oedometer Consolidation, Atterberg Limit, and Triaxial Compression on in-situ soil samples, noting that reliable test results are key to safeguarding lives, property, and investments in Lagos’ coastal communities.
BCPG calls for compulsory subsoil tests in Lagos coastal areas to prevent building collapse