5th December, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has urged developers, engineers, and builders to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety in all construction projects to ensure durable and safe structures across the state.
Engr. Olayinka Abdul, General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTLA), delivered this charge during a stakeholders’ forum with the Association of Real Estate Developers of Nigeria.
The event, held in Ebute Metta, had the theme “Ensuring Quality and Safety: The Critical Role of Materials Testing in Lagos Building Projects.”
Abdul underscored Lagos State’s position as a rapidly expanding metropolitan hub, highlighting the vital role of the real estate sector in driving economic development.
However, she stressed that this growth comes with significant responsibilities.
“As Developers, Engineers, and Builders, it is imperative that we uphold the highest standards of quality and safety in all construction projects.”
“This requires a mutual understanding of the regulatory environment guidelines and their focal roles in the built environment,” she stated.
She explained that the regulatory environment forms the backbone of real estate development, influencing how projects are conceived, developed, and executed.
Abdul added that policymakers and industry professionals must collaborate to create a framework that balanced public safety with innovation and investment.
“In Lagos State, we understand that regulations must evolve to meet the realities of our growing population and rapid urbanisation,” Abdul noted.
“Our agency is committed to ensuring that the materials used in building and infrastructural development are of the highest quality. This initiative not only protects the investments of developers but also ensures the safety and satisfaction of end-users,” she said.
Highlighting challenges in the sector, Abdul identified bureaucratic bottlenecks and limited access to quality materials as significant barriers to achieving high standards.
She lamented that such challenges often resulted in the use of substandard materials, which had been linked to building collapses both locally and globally.
“These tragedies stem from the use of substandard materials or inadequate testing protocols. Our mission at the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency is to mitigate these risks through rigorous materials testing and to support every stakeholder in making informed decisions that ultimately protect lives and investments,” she said.
She outlined the materials testing process, which involved scientific evaluations to ensure that soil, water, cement, granite, blocks, sand, and other construction materials meet safety standards.
Abdul further announced that all construction materials entering Lagos State would be rigorously scrutinised, and that manufacturers would be required to meet set standards.
Substandard materials, she warned, would not be allowed for use in the state.
“We zero in on every incidence of collapse in all its forms. Lagos, as the Centre of Excellence, will no longer tolerate mediocrity that induces structural disasters,” she emphasised.
She also revealed plans to provide a list of certified professionals from the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers on the agency’s website to ensure the proper interpretation and application of materials testing results.
Abdul reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to building a safer Lagos through consistent stakeholder engagement and regulatory enforcement.
The Chairman of the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State, Chief Bashiru Lawal, urged developers to prioritise safety, quality, and adherence to building codes in all construction projects.
Lawal emphasised the importance of education and proper practices in ensuring durable and safe structures.
“Thank God for today; a good name is more important than cutting corners. Your negligence could cost people their lives,” Lawal said.
“Education is paramount, which is why we need to educate ourselves. As the year comes to an end, let us do the right thing and build responsibly. Heaven has sanctioned what has been said today: abide by the building code, use the right materials, and never compromise on standards,” he added.
Supporting the call for quality construction practices, Chief Murtala Olumegbon, a seasoned builder, highlighted the need for continuous learning within the sector.
“Learning is continuous, and we are here to learn. Only certified engineers can execute building jobs correctly,” Olumegbon stated.
“This workshop is a refresher course for us to understand how to do the right thing. The professionals are here to educate us on building safely and responsibly,” he said.
Dr. Victor Oyenuga, who delivered a lecture during the event, underscored the critical role of strong foundations in building projects.
“Foundation is key in any building. We must avoid shallow foundations and prioritise deep, solid bases,” Oyenuga explained.
“Our foundations should be robust to ensure structures do not collapse prematurely,” he added.
The forum reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in fostering sustainable development and averting avoidable tragedies in Lagos’ built environment.
