Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, have underscored the urgent need for strict adherence to building codes as a decisive measure to curb the recurring problem of building collapses in Nigeria.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, organised by the state government through the Office of Urban Development and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
According to Ireporter Online, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that preventing avoidable building tragedies requires collective responsibility among construction professionals, adherence to ethical standards, and avoidance of negligence to ensure all structures are safe and habitable.
He emphasised that a unified building code, applicable nationwide, could save lives and protect investments, noting that every player in the sector must be accountable.
The governor revealed that Lagos had recorded a significant drop in building collapse incidents over the past year, attributing the progress to proactive public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of regulations.
“Our commitment is clear—to ensure Lagos remains safe for residents and investors.
We will continue strengthening enforcement and public engagement so that compliance becomes second nature,” he affirmed.
Representing Minister Dangiwa, Permanent Secretary Mr. Shuaib Belgore reaffirmed the federal ministry’s dedication to ensuring safety and sustainability in the built environment, describing the meeting as a step toward addressing the root causes of collapses.
According to Ireporter Online, Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, disclosed that the state had reinstated mandatory construction site inspections to ensure the use of proper materials and adherence to approved designs. This, he said, remains one of the most effective ways to avert future disasters.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, also highlighted the launch of the Certified Accreditors Programme, describing it as further proof of the administration’s dedication to maintaining high standards in building control.
According to Ireporter Online, Oki noted that the current government has been consistent in its pursuit of a safe and sustainable Lagos for all residents.
