SANWO-OLU UNVEILS NEW REGULATORY INITIATIVE TO ENFORCE STRICTER BUILDING CONTROLS

 

Lagos Government Empowers and Accredits Private Professionals as ‘Third Eye’ to Ensure Compliance

In a bold and transformative move to address the prevailing deficiencies within the built environment, the Lagos State Government has introduced a new regulatory initiative designed to enhance safety, compliance, and sustainability in urban planning. On Monday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formally launched the Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP)—a pioneering model aimed at reinforcing adherence to standard building practices across the State.

The initiative, unveiled before a distinguished assembly of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors at the White Stone Event Centre in Oregun, seeks to establish a more robust framework for supervision within the construction industry. CAP was conceived as part of the recommendations put forth by a panel convened by Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2021 to propose pragmatic solutions to the recurring incidences of building collapse and the resultant loss of life.

The recommendations underscored the necessity of strategic collaboration and synergy between the government and private sector professionals to ensure comprehensive oversight of building construction.

Following the Governor’s approval, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) meticulously screened and selected a cadre of private sector professionals and consulting firms, who, as Certified Accreditors, will act on behalf of the government. These professionals will complement the efforts of regulatory agencies by scrutinising structural drawings, conducting stage inspections, and ensuring compliance with established building codes throughout all phases of construction.

At the formal induction ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu accredited 111 certified professionals, including consultants and monitoring officers, to execute this crucial oversight function.

Speaking at the event, the Governor described the occasion as a “pivotal moment” in his administration’s commitment to fostering a safer and more prosperous Lagos. He emphasised that the initiative would yield a myriad of socio-economic benefits, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

A Commitment to Safety and Prosperity

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the primary objective of the programme is to ensure the safety of buildings, reducing the risk of structural failures and safeguarding lives and property.

“We stand at a pivotal juncture in our pursuit of a safer and more prosperous Lagos, as we officially launch the Certified Accreditors Programme,” he declared. “This initiative underscores the importance of enforcing safe and standard practices within the built environment for the socio-economic wellbeing of our State. It is not merely a regulatory measure; rather, it represents a transformative approach towards fostering a safer, more compliant, and sustainable Lagos.”

The Governor further expounded upon the programme’s long-term objectives, stating:

“The principal goal of this initiative is to ensure the structural integrity of our buildings. By mitigating the risk of collapses, we are not only protecting lives and property but also instilling a sense of security that is fundamental to a thriving society. By integrating private sector expertise into our regulatory framework, we are making significant strides towards realising a host of socio-economic benefits that will improve the overall standard of living for all Lagosians.”

“As one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, Lagos faces immense pressure to rapidly develop its infrastructure. The Certified Accreditors Programme will promote sustainable development by ensuring that construction activities adhere to stringent safety standards. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that growth is not achieved at the expense of environmental integrity, thereby safeguarding the future for generations to come.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured stakeholders that the initiative is not intended to hinder investment or private development; rather, it seeks to safeguard the substantial investments made in building projects by ensuring that structures meet the highest standards of safety and durability.

“The Certified Accreditors Programme will serve as the government’s third eye, meticulously monitoring the built environment and eradicating substandard construction practices,” he asserted.

A Call for Collaboration and Vigilance

The Governor urged property developers, structural engineers, homeowners, architects, and all stakeholders within the construction sector to embrace the initiative by upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance. He stressed that the success of the programme hinges upon the collective commitment of all parties involved.

“I encourage every resident of Lagos to remain vigilant and report any instance of substandard construction or unauthorised development to the appropriate authorities. Together, we must eliminate the risks associated with building collapses and unregulated developments within our city,” he admonished.

Reinforcing Business Efficiency and Compliance

Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, highlighted that the initiative will further enhance the ease of doing business in Lagos. He explained that the programme aligns seamlessly with the THEMES+ vision of the Sanwo-Olu administration, ensuring that construction activities are not only expedient but also compliant with regulatory standards.

Babatunde affirmed that any building project failing to adhere to the State’s building codes would be halted at the development stage. He added that buildings with structural deficiencies that can be rectified will be subject to new permitting requirements.

Furthermore, to comprehensively tackle the menace of building collapses, the State Government will be implementing the Comprehensive Structural Investigation Programme (CSIP)—a non-intrusive diagnostic assessment to be conducted on all buildings in Lagos at five-year intervals. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the structural integrity of buildings and enhancing public safety.

Honourable Ibrahim Obanikoro, Special Adviser on Parastatal Monitoring, reinforced the State Government’s resolve, stating:

“Every building erected in Lagos must comply with the State’s building regulations to significantly curtail incidents of structural failure.”

A New Era of Excellence in Building Control

LASBCA’s General Manager, Engineer Gbolahan Oki, lauded the initiative as a progressive and far-reaching reform under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration. He expressed confidence that the programme would bring about a marked reduction in building collapses across the State.

“Certified Accreditors Programme is yet another landmark initiative introduced by this administration to address long-standing challenges within the building sector. With this programme, LASBCA will be better equipped to serve the people, ensuring excellence in building control practices while eradicating substandard developments,” Oki remarked.

With this initiative, the Lagos State Government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to enforcing rigorous building standards, thereby safeguarding lives, property, and investments, while charting a path towards a more sustainable and resilient urban landscape.