… As Agencies Combine Forces For Enhanced Safety
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to proactive disaster prevention within the built industry, leveraging the collective strength of its key regulatory agencies.
Speaking on the Radio Lagos 107.5FM programme: ‘Ayan Ile Kiko’ on Wednesday, April 23, the General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, highlighted the strategic collaboration between the agency and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA).
The unified approach, she stated, forms a crucial pillar of the government’s strategy to curb the persistent issue of building collapse across the metropolis.
According to her, the collaboration focuses on rigorous scrutiny of construction materials, stringent regulatory enforcement, meticulous planning compliance, and proactive infrastructural maintenance for all structures.
Engr. Abdul said, “We have established an integrated workforce with our sister agencies to ensure that all construction materials meet the highest safety standards through comprehensive testing.
“This collaborative effort aims to prevent structural failures by ensuring strict adherence to building codes and thorough inspections of all structures. Our oversight extends to public infrastructure, guaranteeing proactive maintenance to prevent deterioration-related disasters and confirming that all structures align with approved physical and land use charges”.
She revealed that the fundamental responsibilities of LSMTL, LABSCA, LASIAMA, and LASPPPA are crucial in the collective vision to eradicate the recurring episodes of building collapse in Lagos State.
The General Manager averred that their integrated workflow fosters regular activities within an Inter-Agency Committee dedicated to addressing emerging risks, coordinating enforcement efforts, and streamlining processes across all communities in Lagos State.
“We have established a shared digital platform that consolidates crucial Permit Data, comprehensive Inspection Reports, detailed Test Results, and essential maintenance records for specific projects”, she said.
Engr. Abdul emphasised the government’s firm stance, stating, “We urge all construction workers, developers, and property owners to recognize that the State Government has established a robust benchmark for urban safety.
“To further strengthen this model, we will not relent in our continuous investment in cutting-edge technology, comprehensive capacity building initiatives, and proactive public awareness campaigns.These efforts are all synchronized to ensure the erection of durable and safe structures.”
She underscored the unwavering nature of their integrated process, asserting that the synchronization process is not transient, rather it is firmly rooted, and every builder must adhere to it without exception.
Recognizing the statutory requirement for mandatory materials testing for all construction projects in Lagos State, Engr. Abdul stressed that all phases of construction must be meticulously considered, maintaining that it is imperative to invest in thorough examination of all materials.
“All comprehensive materials tests must be conducted at every stage of development, with detailed reports indicating that samples were collected specifically to ensure the construction of durable and safe structures that meet stringent quality assurance standards.”, she added.
Also contributing to the discourse, the General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), Mrs. Adenike Adekanmbi, emphasised that the evident synergy among the government agencies within the built industry underscores the critical importance of unity in preserving lives and valuable assets as Lagos progresses towards becoming a true megacity where building disasters are relegated to the past.
She implored, “We are establishing a safety benchmark that future generations will uphold. All public infrastructure belongs to the people, and therefore, it is their responsibility to protect it as their own. This is why LASIAMA is dedicated to guaranteeing the safety of such structures. We earnestly implore all Lagos residents to adopt a ‘see something, say something’ approach by simply taking pictures of any dilapidated Public Schools, Public Hospitals, and Public Structures and sending them to us for prompt maintenance.
We collaborate closely with LSMTL to rigorously check the structural integrity of these vital assets. Let us remember that these structures are our legacy, intended to stand the test of time for future generations to witness.”
