In a bold move to address the persistent issue of building collapses in the state, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP), a transformative public-private partnership aimed at enforcing building control regulations and ensuring the safety and integrity of construction projects across the state.
The new initiative, which brings together an array of key professionals including architects, structural engineers, municipal engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, builders, town planners, and surveyors, is designed to foster a more robust and sustainable approach to building safety in Lagos.
At the official launch in Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the CAP is not merely a regulatory measure, but a pivotal step towards creating a safer and more compliant Lagos. “The Certified Accreditors’ Programme goes beyond simple compliance with building regulations,” he said. “By leveraging the expertise of the private sector, we are integrating a wealth of knowledge into our regulatory framework.
This collaboration will deliver significant social and economic benefits, improving the quality of life for all Lagosians while reducing the risk of building collapses.”
He continued, “This initiative is about more than just protecting lives and property; it’s about fostering a culture of security and trust, which is the foundation of any thriving community.”
Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), lauded the Governor’s proactive policy reforms, which have positioned Lagos as a model for excellence in the building industry.
Oki highlighted that the CAP will bolster LASBCA’s ability to enforce building codes and regulations, ensuring that construction projects in the state adhere to the highest standards.
Reflecting on the devastating collapse of the 21-storey building in Ikoyi in November 2021, Oki recalled the establishment of a panel of inquiry by the Governor, which thoroughly investigated the incident and made key recommendations. One of the most significant outcomes was the call for greater collaboration between the state government and private sector professionals.
The result is the creation of the Certified Accreditors’ Programme, which will empower certified professionals to monitor and inspect building projects throughout the state.
“These certified accreditors will serve as a critical part of the enforcement process,” Oki explained. “They will support government efforts by screening building designs, conducting inspections at key stages of construction, and ensuring that all projects comply with Lagos’ building control regulations.”
Oki urged the newly accredited professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their work, emphasizing that even a single lapse could result in tragic consequences.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Babatunde Abiodun,noted that CAP is a direct response to the growing concern over building collapses in Lagos. “While Lagos State has demonstrated the capability to manage urban development, we have often lacked the capacity to cover the entire state,” he said. “CAP is our solution to expanding that capacity, ensuring construction projects meet safety and regulatory standards, thus preventing future building failures.”
In a further commitment to ensuring the safety of Lagos’ built environment, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Nurudeen Shodeinde, revealed plans for an additional initiative, the Certified Structural Integrity Programme.
This program will monitor the safety of existing buildings, requiring them to undergo non-destructive tests every five years to ensure their structural integrity.
Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive strategy to not only address the root causes of building collapses but to prevent future disasters, safeguarding both lives and properties across Lagos State. With the launch of CAP and the upcoming structural integrity program, Lagos is taking a proactive and collaborative approach to transforming its urban landscape into a safer, more resilient environment for its citizens.
