Lagos government seeks collaboration on building safety

Lagos State Government has sought collaboration in the fight against building collapse. It said that building collapse had been triggered grossly by the consequences of neglecting safety, especially in areas where rapid urbanisation outpaces adequate safety measures.

General Manager, Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency, Mrs Olayinka Abdul, made the appeal during a forum with traders and building artisans within Ojo and Badagry communities.

She said that building disasters could be devastating—not just in terms of physical loss, but in emotional and psychological trauma, as well as it disrupts lives, takes lives, and can trigger aggravated lasting impact on communities.

“The theme of today’s collaboration “Fostering Collaboration in Averting Building Disasters across Lagos Communities,” underscores the importance of supporting collaboration among all stakeholders.

“We need the support of you, market traders and construction artisans, in combating the challenges posed by building disasters.

“Our city, Lagos State, is a dynamic bustling hub of commerce; hence, it is the collective responsibility of everyone here.

“The Alaba International Market is a miniature commercial hub that houses heterogeneous businesses.

“Therefore, it is imperative that all structures within this locality comply with building codes, standards, and safety regulations,” she said. She said that rapid urbanisation in areas such as Ojo and Badagry could outpace safety measures, making the communities vulnerable.

The general manager maintained that the agency is dedicated to providing rigorous quality control and testing services to ensure that construction materials used in Lagos State are fit for purpose and meet the required standards.

She, therefore, said that with the collective will and collaboration of all involved parties, there could be significant improvement in building safety in the state.

The President-General of Alaba International Amalgamated Traders Association, Camillus Amajuoyi, gave the assurance that the market, as a body, would willingly comply with government’s directive.but also collaborate to redevelop the market into a truly international market of global standard.

He added that using the best of quality materials for buildings would be in the interest of all. Amajuoyi, however, complained about the deplorable state of the roads within and around the markets, lamenting about touts that sometimes collect money and claimed to be transport union members.

“The money agberosare collecting from the market is enough to fix the challenges within and around the market. We want to see government’s presence in the market through execution of infrastructure to uplift the market,” he said.