By Ayomide Otitoju
At the launch of the Certified Accreditors Program (CAP), General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, emphasized the state’s commitment to leading by example in building safety standards. Speaking at the event, Oki highlighted that the initiative is a direct response to the frequent incidents of building collapses in the state.
The CAP program, a public-private partnership, seeks to bolster the enforcement of building regulations by involving qualified professionals in overseeing construction activities. These accredited professionals will ensure compliance with safety, structural integrity, and regulatory standards to prevent building failures.
Oki noted that while Lagos State has the capabilities to monitor building projects, the volume of work exceeds the agency’s capacity due to staffing constraints. The introduction of CAP aims to address this gap by partnering with professionals across various fields, including architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering, and more.
“A total of 250 expressions of interest were received, with 150 companies shortlisted to participate in the program,” Oki said, adding that the involvement of these experts will further enhance the state’s efforts in monitoring and enforcing building codes. The program also introduces a new level of collaboration, with both individual professionals and corporate firms participating in the initiative.
The program’s key responsibilities include screening building drawings, conducting site inspections, and ensuring strict adherence to approved development plans and building codes. Oki assured the public that this partnership would significantly improve the state’s ability to prevent unauthorized or substandard construction practices.
The launch of CAP comes after the tragic collapse of a 21-storey building under construction in Ikoyi in November 2021. A subsequent panel of inquiry recommended that the state government collaborate with private-sector professionals to strengthen monitoring and inspections across the city.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who has been a strong advocate for reform in the built industry, praised the program’s potential to transform Lagos into a more resilient and sustainable city. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to public-private partnerships, which have been a hallmark of his administration’s success.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced the provision of 1,112 computer systems to streamline building approval processes. Soon, Lagos residents will be able to process building approvals online and complete necessary state certifications with minimal human interaction, further enhancing efficiency and transparency.
Oki acknowledged the critical role of the state government in driving the initiative, praising Governor Sanwo-Olu for his leadership and proactive reforms in the building sector. He urged the newly accredited professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that their work will be pivotal in safeguarding lives and properties across the state.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who also expressed support for the program’s goals. The success of the Certified Accreditors Program is expected to significantly reduce building collapses and elevate Lagos as a global model for building safety and regulatory excellence.
