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The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Iru–Victoria Island Cell, has raised concern over the increasing number of substandard soil investigations being conducted across the Lagos coastal region, warning that the trend could heighten the risk of foundation failures and building collapses.
In a statement on Monday, the Guild said many soil tests conducted in areas under the Iru–Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA) fell below acceptable standards, largely because some practitioners compromise on quality in order to cut costs.
“The lack of effective regulatory monitoring of geotechnical practices in Lagos State could lead to future building collapses in Iru–Victoria Island LCDA,” the group said. “Many of the soil tests conducted are below standard, mainly because practitioners accept low prices to cut costs.”
The Guild explained that geotechnical sub-soil investigations are a critical part of any building project because they help engineers determine the most suitable foundation type for a proposed structure. However, it noted that the increasing demand for sub-soil testing in Lagos has exposed the limited capacity of many geotechnical firms, resulting in poor-quality reports.
It added that while a geotechnical report is mandatory for building approval under the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority Regulations (2019), many developers treat the requirement as a mere formality rather than a vital safety measure.
“The increase in demand for sub-soil investigations has exposed the limited capacity of geotechnical firms,” the Guild stated. “Many piling contractors now request confirmatory soil tests, forcing clients to pay twice. This clearly shows that all is not well in the sector.”
The BCPG further warned that this pattern undermines the structural integrity of buildings, especially in the Lagos coastal corridor, where soil conditions are naturally challenging and require detailed assessment before construction.
It called on relevant government agencies, professional bodies, and construction stakeholders to work together to strengthen regulatory enforcement, ensure transparency in soil testing, and build local capacity in geotechnical investigation.
The Guild emphasised that ensuring quality soil testing is not only about meeting regulatory requirements but also about protecting lives, property, and investments in one of Nigeria’s most densely developed areas.
“The safety of lives and property in Lagos depends on the integrity of our buildings. That integrity begins with the soil,” the Guild concluded.
