Lagos partners COREN on building collapse prevention 

The Lagos State Government has announced a partnership with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to bolster building regulations and tackle the persistent issue of building collapses in the state.

This initiative was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, during a visit by COREN’s Lagos Technical Committee to the Ministry.

Olumide noted that to prevent the recurrence of building collapses, collaboration is crucial in ensuring that the right professionals are engaged on construction sites, interpreting designs accurately, and curbing the activities of non-compliant practitioners in the sector.

He stated, “To halt building collapses, professionals must recognise the life-saving nature of their roles, take full responsibility, and ensure compliance, while those found guilty of negligence should face penalties.”

The Commissioner further explained that the partnership with COREN aims to enhance the reliability of the construction process by reinforcing regulatory measures. This includes implementing training and certification programmes for artisans, builders, and contractors, ensuring that only certified professionals are authorised to work on projects. According to Olumide, this approach is vital for guaranteeing structural integrity and safety in the construction sector.

Key elements of the collaboration include the swift management of distressed buildings, preventing unauthorised structural modifications—such as adding extra floors without proper evaluation—and conducting public awareness campaigns.

The Lagos State Government and COREN plan to launch outreach initiatives to educate developers, contractors, and residents on safe construction practices and the importance of regulatory compliance.

Speaking on the need for continuous professionalism, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, urged experts in the sector to uphold the highest standards in their respective fields.

He also called on COREN to engage more actively with other stakeholders, such as builders, architects, and developers, to ensure the sustainability of the building industry.

Leading the COREN delegation, Tomide Akinnawo, an engineer, praised the Lagos State Government for its proactive measures. He remarked, “We want Lagos to get it right because when Lagos sets the standard, it influences the rest of the world.”

Akinnawo noted that Lagos stands to gain significantly from enforcing regulatory compliance, complemented by public sensitisation and awareness initiatives, which are essential for achieving safer and more sustainable construction practices in the state.