A three-storey building that was still under construction collapsed on Friday night, September 12, 2025, at 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos State, according to a statement from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The incident sent shockwaves through the local community as residents and passersby witnessed the sudden and terrifying fall of concrete, steel, and debris.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic and chaos, noting that several workers were trapped beneath the rubble immediately following the collapse. Many nearby residents rushed to assist the victims before emergency personnel arrived, using whatever tools they could find to pull survivors from the wreckage. The collapse occurred around 8:30 pm, a time when most construction workers were concluding their work for the day, making the timing particularly dangerous. Such incidents have become increasingly common in Lagos, highlighting ongoing concerns about adherence to building safety standards and the enforcement of construction regulations.
NEMA confirmed that four adult male construction workers were successfully rescued alive and immediately transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. While these four were saved, the total number of people still trapped under the debris remains unconfirmed as search and rescue operations continue into the night, with teams working tirelessly to ensure no one else remains in danger.
Swift and coordinated rescue efforts
Emergency response teams acted swiftly, coordinating across multiple agencies, including NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Responders worked systematically to evacuate trapped individuals while ensuring the surrounding area was secured, preventing curious onlookers from entering dangerous zones and potentially causing further injuries. The building site was cordoned off to facilitate uninterrupted rescue operations and to maintain safety for both responders and residents.
Navigating through unstable debris posed significant challenges. Rescue teams had to work cautiously, carefully removing slabs of concrete, metal rods, and other building materials to avoid additional collapses. “No effort is being spared to save lives,” a NEMA spokesperson said, emphasizing the professionalism and dedication of emergency personnel who worked through the night under stressful conditions.
Eyewitnesses and locals praised the bravery and organization of the rescue teams. Residents noted that their coordinated efforts directly resulted in the safe evacuation of the four workers, who received immediate medical care. Many expressed relief, acknowledging that without the quick response, the outcome could have been far more tragic, potentially resulting in multiple fatalities.
Calls for better construction safety
Following the incident, authorities reiterated previous warnings to developers about unsafe construction practices. Regulators have repeatedly cited cases where buildings were sealed for non-compliance with safety standards. Substandard building materials, weak oversight, and negligence by contractors and developers are consistently identified as primary causes of building collapses in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Data compiled by the Lagos State government and various civil society organizations indicate that dozens of building collapse incidents occur annually, often resulting in fatalities, injuries, and displacement of residents. The Alagomeji building collapse is the latest in a long line of tragedies, reinforcing the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes and rigorous inspection procedures.
Investigations into the precise cause of the collapse have already begun, with officials aiming to determine accountability and prevent future occurrences. Structural engineers, regulatory bodies, and forensic teams are expected to analyze the site, the materials used, and the construction methods employed. Residents continue to demand greater transparency, strict adherence to safety standards, and accountability for developers to ensure the protection of lives and property in Lagos State.
Meanwhile, NEMA, LASEMA, and other emergency response agencies are reviewing their disaster response protocols, emphasizing the importance of readiness and rapid action in urban areas with high-density populations and ongoing construction projects. The rescue of the four workers serves as a reminder of the critical role of coordinated emergency response and the life-saving impact of professional and well-trained teams on the ground.