Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP) to enhance compliance with building regulations.
The initiative is a public-private partnership involving architects, engineers, builders, planners, and surveyors to prevent building collapse incidents.
Speaking at the Ikeja launch event, Sanwo-Olu emphasized CAP as a transformative step towards urban safety and sustainability in Lagos.
“By incorporating private sector expertise, we are strengthening building safety while preventing loss of lives and property statewide.”
Background and Justification for CAP
The programme follows a tragic 2021 building collapse, which led to an investigation by a government-appointed panel of inquiry.
The panel recommended collaboration between state agencies and private professionals to strengthen construction site monitoring and compliance enforcement.
In response, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) developed CAP to ensure stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Certified accreditors will conduct building inspections, assess designs, and monitor compliance to prevent structural failures across the state.
Officials Speak on CAP’s Importance
Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of LASBCA, praised Sanwo-Olu’s policies, stressing CAP’s role in improving safety compliance across Lagos.
“This initiative ensures construction projects meet building codes, reducing risks associated with substandard materials and poor workmanship.”
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Urban Development, Babatunde Abiodun, highlighted the government’s enforcement limitations due to insufficient manpower.
“We have expertise but lack sufficient workforce to monitor construction sites, making CAP a vital regulatory support system.”
Stronger Monitoring of New and Existing Buildings
Lagos State plans to launch the Certified Structural Integrity Programme to monitor older buildings for safety compliance every five years.
Permanent Secretary Nurudeen Shodeinde stated that non-destructive structural tests will identify weaknesses and prevent future building collapses.
Authorities warned that certified accreditors must maintain professional integrity to avoid compromising building standards and public safety.
