• Launches certified accreditors’ programme
• Urges stakeholders to report substandard construction
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP), a direct, deliberate and intentional response to the incident of building collapse in the state.
The programme is a public-private partnership designed to involve professionals in the enforcement of building control regulations within the state.
Sanwo-Olu, while launching the programme in Ikeja, yesterday, said that the initiative was not merely a regulatory measure, but also a transformative step towards fostering a safer, more compliant and more sustainable Lagos.
“The implication of the programme is for us to reach far beyond more compliance with building regulations.
“By incorporating the private sector, all of your skills and expertise that you have into our regulatory framework, we are taking significant strides towards realising a range of social economic benefits that will enhance the quality of life for all Lagos residents.
“We’re hoping that it will effectively reduce the risk of building collapse. We not only protect life and property but also foster a sense of security that is vital for any thriving community.
“However, achieving these outcomes requires collective efforts. I urge all stakeholders to collaborate in upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance. The success of this programme depends on your commitment to ensuring that construction activities align with safety regulations.
“I also encourage every member of the public to remain vigilant. Report any case of substandard construction or unauthorised developments to the relevant authorities to eliminate the risks associated with building collapses and unplanned developments in our city.
“I charge all accredited firms to carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism. You are now integral players in our mission to make Lagos State a model for sustainable urban development in Africa,” he said.
In his remarks, the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, commended the governor for a lot of policy reforms that had helped the state to become a model for measuring excellence in the built sector.
He stressed that the new initiative, no doubt, would further strengthen LASBCA in achieving its primary goals or ensuring that basic minimum standards are maintained in building construction in the state through strict compliance with the state building codes and regulations.
He, therefore, urged the certified accreditors not to compromise on their professional callings, but to bear in mind that a single mistake or compromise from their end could lead to wanton loss of lives and property.
Also, Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr Babatunde Abiodun, said CAP is a direct, deliberate and intentional response to the incident of building collapse in Lagos State.
He said the state government, through the Office of Urban Development, which has LASBCA as one of its agencies, had demonstrated capabilities but not capacity.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Nurudeen Shodeinde, said the primary objective of the programme is to ensure that the safety of buildings is not compromised.
He also announced that a new initiative, “the Certified Structural Integrity Programme,” would come on stream to monitor existing buildings and ensure that they undergo non-destructive tests every five years to stem the tide of building collapse in the state.
