By: Tijani Salako.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP), to tackle building collapse in the state.
The programme is a public-private partnership designed to involve professionals in the enforcement of building control regulations within Lagos State.
Key professionals that are involved in the programme include architects, structural engineers, municipal engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, builders, top planners, and surveyors.
Launching the programme in Ikeja, Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the initiative is not merely a regulatory measure, but a transformative step towards fostering a safer, more compliant and more sustainable Lagos.
According to him, “the implication of the Certified Advocates Programme is for us to reach far beyond more compliance with building regulations.
“By incorporating the private sector, all of your skills and expertise that you have into our regulatory framework, we are taking significant strides towards realising a range of social economic benefits that will enhance the quality of life, the quality of life to all Lagosians.
“We’re hoping that it will effectively reduce the risk of building collapse. We not only protect life and property, but also foster a sense of security that is vital for any thriving community.”
In his remarks, the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, commended the governor for a lot of policy reforms, that his administration has introduced in the building industry, which has helped the state to become a model for measuring excellence in the built sector.
He stressed that the new initiative, no doubt, will further strengthen LASBCA in achieving its primary goals or ensuring that basic minimum standards are maintained in building construction in the state through strict compliance with the state building codes and regulations.
He recalled that after the collapse of the 21-storey building under construction at N0 44 B CD Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, in November 2021, a panel of inquiry was constituted by the governor to investigate the root cause of the collapse and come up with the recommendations on how to avert a future re-occurrence.
According to him, the panel after thorough investigation came out with recommendations, one of which is the need for the state government to collaborate with the Private Sector professionals in the built environment for a thorough monitoring and inspection of all ongoing building constructions across the state.
This, he said, would serve as a necessary intervention strategy for early detection and prevention of further building collapse by enforcing the laws on standard regulations and compliance.
According to him, LASBCA swung into action to facilitate a Public-Private synergy referred to as Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP), in line with the recommendation of the panel, which led to the state calling for expression of interest from professionals in the private sector, who will act as Certified Accreditors.
The certified Accreditors will complement the activities of government officials in screening of drawings, stage inspections, and monitoring to ensure compliance with the Lagos Building control regulations.
He urged them not to compromise on their professional callings, bearing in mind that a single mistake or compromise from their end can lead to wanton loss of lives and properties.
Also, special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr Babatunde Abiodun, said CAP is a direct, deliberate, and intentional response to the incident of building collapse in Lagos State.
He said the Lagos State government through the Office of Urban Development which has LASBCA as one of our agencies has demonstrated capabilities but not capacity.
“We have the capabilities but we don’t have the capacity to combat the entire state because of the strength of our staff.
“The Certified Accreditors’ programme CAP aims to ensure that construction activities comply with safety, structural integrity, and regulatory standards to prevent building failures and collapses.
Also, the Permanent Secretary Office of Urban Development, Mr Nurudeen Shodeinde, said the primary objective of this programme is to ensure that the safety of our buildings is not compromised.
He also announced that a new initiative,” the Certified Structural Integrity Programme” will come onstream to monitor existing buildings and ensure that they undergo nondestructive tests every five years to stem the tide of building collapse in the state.
