Lagos Govt Empowers Private Professionals to Monitor Construction as ‘Third Eye’ in New Safety Drive
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In response to Lagos’s persistent building collapse crisis, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has introduced the Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP), a proactive strategy designed to improve construction oversight and promote safer building practices. This initiative comes after over 200 building collapses recorded in Lagos since 2005, prompting a comprehensive approach to address the menace.
Governor Sanwo-Olu unveiled the CAP initiative on Monday at White Stone Event Centre, Oregun, before key stakeholders in the construction sector. Under the new programme, 111 certified private professionals and consulting firms have been inducted to serve as the government’s ‘third eye’ in monitoring compliance with building regulations.
The CAP model is part of the recommendations made by a panel set up in 2021 to advise the Lagos State Government on tackling frequent building collapses. The programme emphasizes collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure stricter supervision at every stage of building development.
Selected accreditors will assist the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) by reviewing structural drawings, conducting on-site inspections, and ensuring adherence to building codes throughout construction phases.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” for Lagos, emphasizing that integrating private sector expertise would reduce building collapses, protect lives, and safeguard property investments.
“This initiative is not merely a regulatory measure; it is a transformative step to foster a safer, more compliant, and sustainable Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He assured investors and developers that CAP aims to protect, not disrupt, construction activities.
To further enhance safety, the Lagos State Government will implement the Comprehensive Structural Investigation Programme (CSIP), a non-intrusive test conducted every five years to assess the structural stability of buildings.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, highlighted that CAP aligns with the state’s THEMES+ vision to improve business operations while ensuring public safety.
Engr. Gbolahan Oki, LASBCA’s General Manager, emphasized that CAP would enhance regulatory practices by combining public oversight with private sector expertise, ensuring substandard practices are curbed.
With these initiatives, Lagos State aims to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and sustainable urban development, ultimately reducing incidents of building collapse across the state.
