Anambra Orders Mandatory Building Safety Tests After Deadly Oko Collapse

The Anambra State Government has announced plans to conduct structural integrity assessments of all commercial buildings in Oko and Amaokpala to determine their safety and structural soundness.
In a public statement signed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Chijioke Ojukwu, the government expressed deep sorrow over the tragic building collapse and extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
It also prayed for the speedy and full recovery of those who sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The government’s decision follows the collapse of a three-storey building in Amaokpala, as well as other building-related incidents recorded in Orumba North Local Government Area.
Mr. Ojukwu disclosed that the site of the collapsed building has been sealed pending a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident.
He noted that preliminary findings point to structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse.
According to the statement, there is evidence that the owners and management of the building were aware of existing structural defects but allegedly prioritized financial gain over the safety and welfare of occupants.
The Commissioner further revealed that a comprehensive technical investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine whether there were breaches of building regulations or professional standards.
He also disclosed that the State Government has received credible intelligence indicating that other buildings within the area may be structurally distressed and pose potential safety risks.
Consequently, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development will undertake compulsory structural integrity assessments and technical reviews of all buildings within the vicinity of the collapsed structure to ascertain their condition and prevent similar incidents.
Mr. Ojukwu announced that the State Government will take decisive action against anyone found culpable.
Such measures, he said, will include the revocation of the right of occupancy over the parcel of land on which the collapsed building stands, as well as the prosecution of any individual or organisation whose actions or negligence may have contributed to the incident.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the strict enforcement of physical planning regulations, approved building standards, development control measures, and safety codes across Anambra State, stressing that the government remains determined to prevent avoidable building failures.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry will continue to collaborate closely with the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant agencies to manage the aftermath of the collapse and strengthen building safety enforcement.
Property owners, developers, contractors, and landlords were reminded of their legal and moral responsibility to ensure that every building complies with approved plans, structural specifications, and all applicable safety regulations before and during occupancy.
Mr. Ojukwu warned that the State Government will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions on any individual, developer, or corporate entity found to have compromised public safety through negligence, the use of substandard building materials, poor construction practices, or non-compliance with physical planning laws and building codes.
He also urged members of the public to remain calm, stay away from the sealed site, and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of hindering ongoing rescue, investigation, and recovery operations or causing unnecessary public anxiety.