Lagos State Government has charged professionals in the Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to upgrade themselves to modern trends in the built industry and rededicate themselves to duties.

The state’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, gave the charge, yesterday, at a meeting with management staff of the agency in its head office in Ikeja.

The commissioner, who expressed the confidence of the governor in the ability of the agency’s professionals to stem the tide of building collapse in the state, urged all members of staff to ensure that the mandates of the agency are achieved.

Olumide, who shed light on the passion and interest of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in ensuring the safety and stability of structures across Lagos State, urged professionals in the agency who are regulators to shun corruptions and be firm and decisive in their actions.

He, therefore, charged LASBCA members of staff with the responsibility of continuous professional development, urging them to stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field.

The commissioner emphasised the need for the agency’s personnel to be well-prepared and equipped to handle the challenges associated with their roles, as well as reinforcing the importance of their contribution to the state’s progress.

He stressed that there must be consequences for any individual, including LASBCA members of staff found compromising on standards or engaging in practices that could jeopardise the safety of structures.

He, however, promised collaborative effort between the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and LASBCA in training and retraining of its workforce.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olumide Sotire, who was also at the meeting, reiterated the importance of training and charged LASBCA members of staff to make themselves available for different professional trainings offered by both the state government and international bodies with a pledge to give necessary support to professionals to develop and equip themselves to meet the challenges of modern prevention of building collapses.

In his remarks, General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, noted that LASBCA had been standing straight and meeting the mandate set for it by the state government.

Oki pleaded for more support from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development by providing necessary tools and boosting the morale of members of staff in the agency.