By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
BUILDING COLLAPSES in Lagos State continue to raise alarm, with the metropolis recording more incidents than any other part of Nigeria.
This has been due to a mix of poor regulatory oversight, contractors cutting corners, and the use of substandard materials has exacerbated the crisis as widely observed.
Towards curbing this trend, the Lagos State Government has announced it is rolling out the Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP) as a proactive measure to enforce compliance with building standards and prevent further tragedies.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially launched the initiative on Monday, describing it as a transformative step towards creating a safer, more sustainable urban environment.
CAP, the Governor noted, was developed following recommendations from a 2021 panel that advised on strategies to curb frequent structural failures.
The initiative involves engaging private sector professionals to work alongside government agencies in ensuring adherence to strict building codes.
Under CAP, private professionals have been accredited to assist the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) in scrutinising structural designs, inspecting construction sites, and ensuring compliance throughout the building process.
He said the first phase saw 111 certified accreditors inducted, including structural engineers and monitoring officers.
Their role is to serve as an additional layer of oversight, enhancing the effectiveness of government agencies in regulating the built environment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also emphasised that the programme would not hinder private sector investments but rather provide assurances to developers and investors by promoting safer construction practices.
He stated: “By integrating private expertise into our regulatory system, we are not just preventing building collapses but also safeguarding investments and ensuring sustainable urban growth.”
The governor called for collaboration from all stakeholders, including developers, architects, and the general public, to uphold construction integrity. He urged residents to report any cases of substandard building practices to prevent disasters.
He further noted that as part of broader efforts to improve safety in the building sector, the Lagos State Government has also announced plans for a Comprehensive Structural Investigation Programme.
This non-intrusive inspection will be conducted every five years on buildings across the state to assess structural integrity and mitigate risks.
Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, highlighted that this initiative aligns with the THEMES+ agenda, a strategic policy framework aimed at enhancing Lagos’s socio-economic and infrastructural development.
Lagos Set for Lekki International Airport
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced another landmark project to redefine Lagos’s economic landscape.
He said a ₦170 billion Lekki International Airport is on track for delivery, with aviation regulators arriving in Lagos this week for inspections.
The project, he said, is undertaken by Portuguese construction giant Mota-Engil Consortium, and expected to boost commerce, tourism, and infrastructure development.
During a tour of Alaro City on Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering key infrastructural projects that will propel Lagos into a global business hub.
The proposed airport, strategically located 10 kilometres from the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is designed to accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and will be operational by 2028.
Additionally, the governor reaffirmed plans for the Green Line Rail project, linking Marina to Lekki, as well as the expansion of the Lekki-Epe Expressway and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
These projects are poised to drive investments, enhance transportation networks, and stimulate economic growth in Lagos, he stated.
Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the Lekki Free Trade Zone over two decades ago, which has since transformed into a thriving industrial hub.
“The Lekki corridor is a testament to strategic planning and public-private collaboration,” he said.
He also added that the success of Alaro City, a public-private initiative, underscores the effectiveness of government-private sector partnerships.
The city has attracted major investors, generating employment and positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier business destination.
Alaro City Chairman Ayo Gbeleyi and Managing Director Yomi Ademola lauded the Sanwo-Olu administration’s infrastructural initiatives, particularly in the Lekki axis.
They highlighted the significant economic benefits derived from key projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the six-lane rigid pavement expressway, and the upcoming airport.
