Negligence Turn Nightmare: The Hidden Cost of Poor Planning in Nigeria –By Matthew Ma

Once again, the nation finds itself in deep mourning, grappling with the heartbreaking loss of lives resulting from two preventable tragedies. A recent devastating fire in a Lagos building that claimed several lives, and torrential rain in Edo State that washed away a motorcycle. These incidents are not simply unfortunate events; they are stark manifestations of systemic issues—poor urban planning, institutional negligence, and a societal tendency to prioritize short-term convenience over long-term safety and sustainability. Each time a tragedy of this magnitude occurs, it ignites a fleeting wave of outrage throughout the nation. For instance, between 2019 and 2023, the Balogun market in Lagos, one of the largest and most significant markets in West Africa, faced several catastrophic fires. These fire incidents destroyed goods worth billions of naira, a loss that severely impacted local traders and the economy. Investigations into these fires revealed the root causes to be inadequate fire safety measures, insufficient emergency response protocols, and overcrowded market layouts, which severely restricted evacuation routes. In yet another troubling instance, the city of Makurdi in Benue State has faced seasonal flooding from 2017 to 2022. These floods have inundated entire neighborhoods, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure, and forcing numerous residents to abandon their properties. Despite the repeated flooding, there has been little acknowledgment of the inadequate state of urban planning, drainage systems, and environmental management in Nigeria.

The construction sector also recorded a tragic incident in November 2021, when a 21-storey luxury building collapsed in Ikoyi, Lagos. This disaster not only resulted in the loss of at least 44 lives but also exposed grave structural failures and significant regulatory shortcomings in the construction industry. Investigations revealed that safety regulations were not adequately enforced, leading to the creation of a building that was not structurally sound. Most recently, in July 2023, a primary school building in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, collapsed, injuring several students and igniting widespread public outrage. Although this incident has raised critical questions about the standards of construction and the building materials used on these facilities, no one has yet taken responsibility for the failure.

Despite the numerous public outcries across the nation following these tragic events, Nigeria continues to experience frequent disasters. For example, a week ago, Nigeria’s ongoing safety crisis was once again highlighted by two tragic incidents occurring in rapid succession. In Lagos, a devastating fire consumed a commercial building housing United Capital Plc, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and a branch of the United Bank for Africa, leaving behind ten people dead as of the time of this report. Concurrently, in Edo State, a motorcyclist lost his life when he was swept away by floodwaters caused by severe erosion, as helpless residents looked on. Despite being separated by distance, these incidents highlight a common underlying problem: a systemic failure in safety preparedness, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and a tendency to underestimate personal safety risks. This neglect not only jeopardizes individual well-being but also fosters a broader culture of complacency, where the need for improved safety measures is consistently overlooked.

The question at hand is: What are the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrences of fire outbreaks, erosion, and building collapses in Nigeria? This unholy trinity of fire, erosion, and structural failures is not an isolated event; instead, it signifies deeper issues that affect various aspects of life in the country. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these challenges, it is essential to examine several key factors that contribute to these crises. First and foremost, the problem of poor infrastructure is critical. In Nigeria, many buildings are constructed without adhering to established safety standards, frequently utilizing substandard materials and lacking proper engineering oversight. In Nigeria, a significant number of buildings are constructed without proper adherence to established safety standards. Developers frequently use substandard materials that compromise the structural integrity of the buildings. Additionally, many construction projects lack adequate engineering oversight, which creates serious risks for both the workers involved in the construction and the eventual occupants. Furthermore, the absence of strict regulatory enforcement and oversight contributes to these practices, resulting in structures that may be vulnerable to collapse or other safety hazards, ultimately jeopardizing public safety and well-being. This negligence plays a significant role in the alarming rate of structural failures, especially in urban areas where rapid development often outstrips the enforcement of regulations. Moreover, there is a pervasive lack of effective enforcement of building codes and regulations by the government. Many structures are erected without the necessary permits and oversight, leading to substandard construction practices. This lax regulatory environment often results in buildings that are poorly equipped to withstand environmental stresses, making them vulnerable to collapse.

Human activities and environmental degradation have profoundly influenced flooding patterns. For example, the relentless pace of deforestation—primarily driven by agricultural expansion and urban development—has led to a significant reduction in protective vegetation. The loss of trees and plants not only disrupts local ecosystems but also exposes the soil to erosion. When heavy rainfall occurs, this bare soil becomes much more vulnerable, as there are no roots to anchor it in place. Additionally, unsustainable agricultural practices, such as monocropping and excessive use of fertilizers, contribute to soil degradation and nutrient depletion. These methods can result in compacted soil, which reduces permeability and exacerbates runoff during storms, heightening the risk of flooding. The interplay of these factors creates an environment that is not only susceptible to erosion but also significantly increases the likelihood of flooding events, adversely affecting both natural habitats and human communities. The consequences of this not only reduce the fertility of the land but also threaten the stability of the infrastructure built on these eroded areas.

Furthermore, the inadequate drainage systems prevalent in many regions of Nigeria play a crucial role in exacerbating urban flooding. During heavy rainfall, the absence of properly designed and maintained drainage infrastructure prevents the efficient channeling of excess water, leading to significant accumulation in urban areas. This accumulation not only causes extensive flooding but also results in the structural damage of buildings and infrastructure, posing serious safety risks to residents. Another challenge arises from the improper disposal of waste into existing drainage systems, compounded by ineffective management practices. This combination not only impedes effective water management but also poses considerable risks to public health and the integrity of infrastructure. Contaminants introduced through inadequate waste disposal can clog drainage systems, resulting in water pooling and heightened flooding during heavy rainfall. Moreover, when these systems become overwhelmed, they can release untreated waste, creating serious health hazards for nearby communities and jeopardizing the quality of local water sources. The absence of a robust waste management strategy exacerbates these problems, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policies that promote effective waste disposal and the maintenance of drainage systems to protect both public health and the resilience of infrastructure.

Third, the rapid urbanization and growing population in cities have placed considerable strain on existing infrastructure, which is often adapted and expanded to accommodate the demands of a burgeoning urban environment. As more individuals migrate to these urban centers in search of better opportunities, the demand for housing has surged dramatically. In response to the growing population, real estate developers are increasingly prioritizing speed in construction over the quality of their projects. This rush to build homes and accommodations often compromises essential safety measures and stringent building standards, as developers aim to reduce costs and maximize profits. Consequently, structural integrity and long-term durability are frequently overlooked in the pursuit of providing affordable housing. This trend raises significant concerns regarding the overall safety of housing options available to residents, potentially jeopardizing the well-being of families and communities that depend on these structures for shelter.

The fourth component of the unfortunate tragedies stems from the pervasive issues of bribery and corruption. This phenomenon typically manifests in the real estate development sector, where developers often find themselves navigating a complex web of regulatory approvals from various government agencies. In many instances, the ability to advance a project hinges not just on meeting legal requirements and guidelines, but also on the payment of illicit bribes. These under-the-table transactions can influence decision-making, effectively allowing projects to proceed that might otherwise be stalled or denied due to legitimate concerns or bureaucratic red tape. As a result, the integrity of the approval process is compromised, leading to a cycle of unethical behavior that undermines public trust and facilitates further corruption. Negligence continues to be a pressing issue within the construction industry, resulting in potentially severe repercussions for all parties involved. Key stakeholders—such as contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and project owners—often neglect to follow vital safety protocols and implement thorough quality control measures at every stage of the construction process. This lack of diligence can lead to problems, including but not limited to inadequate site inspections and failure to adhere to building codes.

For instance, insufficient site inspections might mean that critical safety features are overlooked, which could result in hazardous working conditions for employees or may compromise the structural integrity of the completed project. The absence of rigorous quality checks can lead to the use of substandard materials, thereby increasing the likelihood of defects and failures in the future. Such negligence not only endangers the workers but also has the potential to incur substantial financial losses and damage the reputation of the companies involved. Additionally, the pressure to meet deadlines and budget constraints can further exacerbate the tendency to cut corners, ultimately compromising the project’s integrity. The ramifications of such negligence can be severe, resulting in unsafe working conditions, potential injuries, and subpar construction outcomes that do not meet established industry standards.

The question we face is: How can we effectively confront the unfortunate trio of tragedies in Nigeria? To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is essential. First, it is necessary to develop and implement comprehensive fire safety education programs. These programs should educate citizens about the critical importance of evacuation during emergencies. They should cover essential topics such as understanding fire hazards, recognizing alarm signals, and familiarizing individuals with evacuation routes and procedures. Furthermore, the government must implement stringent regulations to ensure that developers adhere to established safety protocols. This includes the mandatory incorporation of critical safety features in all building designs, such as fire exits, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. Moreover, the government should enforce regular inspections to assess compliance with these safety standards, ensuring that all constructions meet necessary regulations throughout their lifespan. Additionally, ongoing maintenance of fire safety equipment, including routine checks and servicing of alarms and extinguishers, should be mandated across all structures to prioritize the safety and well-being of occupants. Next, regulatory agencies should establish and conduct regular fire drill simulations as an essential component of emergency preparedness. Each simulation should be carefully planned to reflect realistic scenarios, ensuring that participants become familiar with evacuation routes, assembly points, and the use of safety equipment. Additionally, engaging instructors should provide guidance on how to respond calmly and effectively in high-pressure situations. By prioritizing these drills, regulatory agencies can significantly improve public safety and enhance overall preparedness for potential fire emergencies.

In recent years, government authorities have undertaken a range of significant projects aimed at addressing persistent flooding issues. They constructed new advanced drainage systems to manage stormwater runoff efficiently. The overarching goal of these enhancements is to mitigate the adverse effects of erosion and elevate the quality of transportation infrastructure within the community. However, despite the noteworthy investments and efforts made by the government, some individuals have, instead of recognizing and benefiting from the new systems designed to improve their environment, resorted to irresponsible actions that undermine these efforts. Under the cover of darkness, they engage in the unlawful dumping of waste and refuse directly into the newly constructed drainage systems. This reckless behavior not only impedes the effective functioning of the drainage systems—designed to reduce flooding and manage rainwater—but also intensifies the challenges of water accumulation during storms. Such actions exacerbate the erosion issues that the government is trying to control. The community, therefore, finds itself caught in a paradox where the detrimental actions of a few compromise the very projects implemented to control flooding.

The government should prioritize the installation of appropriate refuse bins in various public areas to address the problem of littering. An adequate number of strategically placed and easily accessible dustbins would encourage individuals to dispose of their waste responsibly, rather than discarding it into drainage systems. Additionally, the government ought to implement a comprehensive waste management system that includes dedicated trucks for the regular collection of waste. These trucks should operate on a consistent schedule to ensure timely pickups, preventing any overflow or accumulation of garbage in public spaces. Furthermore, the collected waste should be transported to designated facilities where it can be disposed of or processed according to environmental regulations. This systematic approach will help maintain community cleanliness and ensure that waste is handled through the proper channels for recycling or disposal.

To break the tragic cycle of building collapses, a series of crucial changes must be implemented. The government should commit to strictly enforcing existing building codes without exceptions. This includes holding accountable those who neglect safety standards, whether through carelessness or intentional wrongdoing. Moreover, the government must ensure that importers supply suitable building materials to guarantee the quality of construction. It must stand firm against individuals or organizations that violate building regulations. To promote accountability and compliance, the government should adopt a policy of revoking licenses for those who compromise safety standards or engage in illegal construction practices. This punitive measure would deter future violations and uphold the integrity of building regulations, which are designed to protect public safety and welfare.

Was the recent fire incident in Lagos, which resulted in the loss of 10 lives, preventable? Absolutely. Similarly, could the flood in Benin City that swept away a motorcyclist have been avoided? Yes, if only the government had taken the necessary actions. Many of the tragedies we witness in Nigeria are not mere acts of fate; they are the direct consequences of neglect, inadequate planning, and ineffective law enforcement. The Lagos fire that claimed 10 lives could have been prevented if building codes had been rigorously enforced and monitored, and fire safety regulations adhered to. Too often, shops and homes are constructed without essential features such as fire exits, extinguishers, or any form of emergency preparedness. The recent flood in Benin City, which sadly claimed the life of a motorcyclist, could have been prevented with practical design, maintenance, and clearing of drainage systems. Roads should always be equipped with adequate drainage to ensure proper water flow during heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we often build shallow roads that lack the necessary drainage infrastructure. This situation exemplifies a failure in governance. The uncomfortable truth is that many of Nigeria’s disasters are, in fact, artificial catastrophes misrepresented as “acts of God.” When fires, floods, or building collapses occur, we mourn, we bury the victims, and then life goes on—until the next tragedy strikes. This cycle perpetuates because accountability is seldom enforced.

The reality is that Nigeria cannot continue to bear the costs of failures that could have been avoided through better planning, strict enforcement, and responsible leadership. Urban development without adequate drainage systems, construction that disregards established standards, and the negligent disposal of waste into waterways are all recipes for disaster. Yet, these issues persist unchecked. What needs to change is both our mindset and our approach. The federal and state governments must treat urban planning and safety regulations as urgent national priorities. Building approvals should be contingent upon strict adherence to standards. Drainage systems must be safeguarded from reckless human interference. Fire safety education and enforcement should become an integral part of community life. Most crucially, those whose negligence leads to loss of life must be held accountable—not merely through words, but through decisive actions. The people of Nigeria deserve better. They deserve cities that protect rather than endanger them. They deserve leadership that plans for the future, not just the present. Negligence must no longer transform into disaster. Only by taking these steps can we begin to break the cycle of catastrophe and establish a nation where safety is not a privilege but a fundamental right.

Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.