Nigeria seals unsafe residential buildings in Lagos and Aba after structural cracks are found

In Lagos, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) sealed Block 341 in Sector 21 of the Abesan Low‑Cost Housing Estate on July 11 after residents reported severe cracks across the six‑flat building. The agency cordoned off the structure and ordered a structural integrity assessment, evacuating occupants to prevent a possible collapse. Shina Dare, president of the Abesan Estate Residents Association, said the damage justified the precautionary seal and warned that unauthorised alterations to ageing government‑built apartments have weakened many buildings in the estate.

In Aba, the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) evacuated tenants from No. 71 Clifford Road, a four storeys high, after a preliminary inspection revealed extensive foundation cracks that could cause the building to fall. GADA declared the building unsafe, announced plans for a controlled demolition and urged residents to avoid the area while safety measures are carried out.