LASG, development partners collaborate against building collapse

The Lagos State Government and a coalition of development partners, including the Policy Innovation Centre, BiNTA Fellowship, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and Integrity Organisation, have teamed up to explore behavioural insights as a solution to building collapse.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Olalekan Shodeinde, who spoke at a workshop with the theme ‘Nudging Ethics: Behavioural Insights for a Better Built Environment’ at the Colossus Hotel, Ikeja, recently, said that by leveraging behavioural science we could create environments that encouraged ethical choices, enhanced transparency, and strengthened accountability for the betterment of the society.

In a statement, Shodeinde noted the devastating consequences of unethical practices and poor compliance culture, asserting that the built environment would fare better with the identification and application of behavioural insights in addressing notable challenges, including building collapse.

He said, “The built environment is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about people, principles, and policies that shaped cities and communities that we all live in today. The untold consequences, such as building collapse, loss of lives, and economic setbacks, are preventable incidents, provided that people could change their mentality about physical planning compliance and building rights.

“The theme of this workshop speaks directly to a crucial aspect of governance and professional practices: how human behaviour influences compliance and decision-making as well as the overall industry integrity.

“It is, therefore, commendable that the workshop, as a right step in the right direction, brings together policy experts, regulators, and built environment professionals to explore practical strategies to drive sustainable, safe, and resilient urban development in Lagos State.”