Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the recent building collapses in Anambra and Ogun states as more than isolated accidents, warning that the recurring disasters reflect systemic failures in Nigeria’s building regulatory regime.
Reacting to the tragedies on Tuesday, Obi said the loss of lives in both states should compel governments at all levels to move beyond expressions of sympathy and embrace stricter enforcement of building standards to prevent future catastrophes.
His intervention followed the collapse of a building at Amaokpala in Anambra State, reportedly occupied by tenants, including some students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Although authorities clarified that those who died were not students of the institution, the incident claimed two lives and left several others injured.
Before the shock from the Anambra tragedy had subsided, another building reportedly collapsed in Ogun State, resulting in additional fatalities.
For Obi, the proximity of the two incidents underscores a disturbing pattern.
“Coming barely days after the unfortunate similar incident at Amaokpala, the reported collapse of a building in Ogun State, with the loss of lives, is another painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise the safety of our people,” he said.
The former Anambra governor argued that preventable structural failures have become too frequent to be dismissed as unfortunate mishaps, insisting that authorities must tighten oversight of construction activities and enforce compliance with approved standards.
He called for mandatory structural integrity assessments, rigorous monitoring of construction projects and stricter adherence to building regulations, saying such measures are essential to safeguarding lives and property.
Obi also commended the Anambra and Ogun State governments, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, emergency responders, security agencies and volunteers whose prompt rescue efforts helped reduce the scale of the tragedies.
While extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured speedy recovery, Obi stressed that protecting lives—particularly those of students and young Nigerians—must remain at the heart of national development.
“I will continue to cherish and support our students, as they remain central to building the New Nigeria we aspire to. By investing in their education, safety and well-being, we make that New Nigeria possible,” he said.
His remarks add to growing calls for stronger regulation of Nigeria’s construction sector, where repeated building collapses have continued to raise concerns over weak enforcement, substandard materials and poor compliance with safety standaPeter Obirds.