By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has introduced a groundbreaking regulatory initiative aimed at addressing the challenges within the built environment sector.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, launched the Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP)—a strategic framework designed to enhance building safety, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and promote sustainable urban development in the state.
The unveiling of the initiative took place at the White Stone Event Centre, Oregun, before an audience of key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to tackling the menace of building collapses in Lagos.
CAP emerged as a key recommendation from a panel of experts set up by Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2021 to propose practical solutions to prevent building failures and associated fatalities.
The report emphasized the necessity of a structured collaboration between government regulatory bodies and private sector professionals to ensure comprehensive supervision of construction activities across the state.
With the Governor’s approval, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) conducted a rigorous selection process, accrediting qualified private sector professionals and consulting firms to function as Certified Accreditors.
These accredited professionals will complement government agencies by reviewing structural drawings, conducting stage inspections, and ensuring compliance with established building codes at every phase of construction.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the official induction, formally approved and inaugurated 111 certified accreditors, including consultants and monitoring officers who will serve as the “third eye” in enforcing regulatory standards in Lagos’ construction industry.
Speaking at the event, the Governor described the launch of CAP as a “pivotal moment” in his administration’s quest to create a safer and more prosperous city.
He highlighted the initiative’s far-reaching socio-economic benefits, underscoring its potential to improve the overall quality of life for Lagosians.
“We mark a pivotal moment in our journey towards a safer and more prosperous Lagos, as we officially launch the Certified Accreditors’ Programme.
This initiative reflects the importance of promoting safe and standard practices in the built environment for the socio-economic wellbeing of our State. It is not merely a regulatory measure; it is a transformative step that will help us foster a safer, more compliant, and sustainable Lagos.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu further emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is to enhance building safety and mitigate the risk of structural failures, thereby safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“The primary objective of this programme is to ensure the safety of our buildings. If we effectively reduce the risk of building collapses, we not only protect lives and property but also foster a sense of security that is vital for any thriving community. By incorporating private sector expertise into our regulatory framework, we are taking significant strides towards realising a range of socio-economic benefits that will enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians.”
The Governor acknowledged the rapid infrastructural expansion in Lagos, noting that CAP would play a critical role in ensuring sustainable development without compromising safety.
“As one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, Lagos faces immense pressure to rapidly develop its infrastructure. The Certified Accreditors’ Programme will promote sustainable development by ensuring that construction activities align with established safety standards. This commitment to sustainability safeguards our environment for future generations, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of our planet.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured developers and investors that the initiative was not designed to stifle business growth but to protect investments in the construction sector. He described CAP as a proactive measure to prevent losses due to substandard construction practices.
He urged property developers, structural engineers, architects, and homeowners to collaborate in upholding integrity and strict compliance with regulatory standards. The Governor reiterated that the success of the programme depends on the commitment of all stakeholders.
“I encourage every member of the public to remain vigilant and report any case of substandard construction or unauthorised developments to the relevant authorities so that the Government can eliminate the risks associated with building collapses and unplanned developments from our city.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, affirmed that CAP aligns with the THEMES+ development agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
He highlighted that the initiative would also improve the ease of doing business in Lagos by streamlining building approval and monitoring processes.
Babatunde revealed that any construction project failing to meet the state’s regulatory requirements would be halted during development.
He added that buildings found to be structurally deficient would undergo reinforcement or be subjected to fresh approval processes.
To further tackle the menace of building collapse, Babatunde disclosed that the government would roll out the Comprehensive Structural Investigation Programme (CSIP)—a non-disruptive structural assessment that will be conducted every five years on all buildings in Lagos to ascertain their safety status.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Engr. Gbolahan Oki, lauded the initiative, describing it as “a far-reaching reform” that would significantly reduce the incidence of structural failures in the state.
“CAP is yet another far-reaching reform introduced by the Sanwo-Olu administration in the building sector aimed at achieving significant decline in the incident of building collapse in the State. This programme launched today will help LASBCA serve the people more effectively while enhancing excellence in building control practices.”
