The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to roll out a comprehensive building code in 2025, signaling a bold step toward creating a sustainable and smart city.
This initiative aims to align Lagos with international standards while addressing pressing issues in construction design, land use, and building safety.
Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, disclosed this during the Lagos State Executive Council Retreat held in Ikeja GRA. Babatunde emphasized the significance of this project, explaining that the new Lagos Building Code will serve as a blueprint for modern urban development while tackling longstanding challenges such as building collapses and environmental sustainability.
According to Babatunde, the domestication of the National Building Code has been in progress, and Lagos is set to be the first state to implement its own tailored version. “We have been working on the domestication of the National Building Code, and by next year, we are going to have our own brand-new Lagos Building Code,” he stated.
This ambitious framework has been developed with the collective input of key stakeholders, including professional bodies, academic institutions, market women, and members of the general public. The participatory approach ensures the regulations are robust and reflective of the diverse needs of Lagos residents. The code will address vital areas such as setbacks, environmental safety, and urban planning, while also enhancing the regulatory framework that governs land use and physical development.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the retreat, highlighted the code’s transformative potential. He noted that the new regulations are designed to strengthen Lagos’s resilience, promote sustainable development, and ensure that the city remains at the forefront of urban innovation. “We are not doing anything outside the vision at the sovereign and sub-sovereign levels,” Sanwo-Olu remarked. He further emphasized that cabinet members were actively involved in shaping the policy, ensuring that it meets the diverse demands of various ministries and agencies.
Sanwo-Olu also stressed that the building code aims to establish clear regulations for construction standards and the use of materials that prioritize health, safety, and sustainability. By doing so, the initiative seeks to mitigate risks associated with unregulated building practices while fostering a more livable urban environment.
As Lagos gears up for this transformative journey, the new building code represents a critical step in addressing the city’s evolving challenges. With its focus on innovation and resilience, Lagos is set to redefine what it means to be a modern African metropolis.
