The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Iru–Victoria Island Cell, has called on the Lagos State Government to make subsoil investigations mandatory for all construction projects in coastal communities.

The guild warned that inadequate soil testing remains a leading cause of structural failures and potential building collapse, particularly in areas like Iru–Victoria Island LCDA, which is flanked by the Five Cowrie Creek and the Atlantic Ocean.

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 emphasized that geotechnical studies are critical in determining the soil’s mechanical properties and shear strength to ensure that building foundations can safely carry imposed loads.

The BCPG stressed that a comprehensive geotechnical report is vital for civil and structural engineers to design the most appropriate foundation type for any proposed structure. However, it expressed concern that weak regulatory oversight in Lagos has led to poor soil testing practices, increasing the risks of 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 guild stated.

While acknowledging ongoing government reforms in building control, the BCPG insisted that stricter monitoring of geotechnical practices must be prioritized.

The guild further recommended:

Stronger collaboration between government agencies, professional bodies, and stakeholders.

Stricter enforcement of standards in soil testing.

Proper accreditation and supervision of laboratories conducting critical geotechnical tests such as Oedometer Consolidation, Atterberg Limit, and Triaxial Compression on in-situ soil samples.

According to the group, ensuring reliable and transparent test results is key to protecting lives, property, and investments in Lagos’ high-risk coastal communities.