Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the pivotal role of public-private collaboration in ensuring safer buildings across the state, as he officially launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme on Monday.
The event, held at the White Stone Event Centre in Ikeja, marks a significant initiative by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to enhance building safety and regulatory standards.
In his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of the programme in promoting safer, more sustainable buildings in Lagos, particularly in light of the tragic events of the Ikoyi building collapse in November 2021, which shook the city and its residents.
“You may recall the tragic events of November 2021 when we faced the heartbreaking collapse of a 21-storey building in Ikoyi. This incident was a stark reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring safety within our rapidly growing urban landscape,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“It compelled us to take decisive action, leading to the establishment of a panel that investigated the causes of this tragedy and provided recommendations for reform.”
The Governor stressed that the Certified Accreditors’ Programme is not merely a regulatory initiative but a transformative measure that would directly impact the socio-economic well-being of Lagosians.
He emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors in the built environment to promote safety and economic growth.
“The primary objective of this programme is to ensure the safety of our buildings. By effectively reducing the risk of building collapses, we not only protect lives and property but also foster a sense of security that is vital for any thriving community,” he explained.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the programme’s potential to attract investment and stimulate the local economy, noting that a safer built environment would lead to greater confidence among investors and residents alike.
The Governor urged all stakeholders—developers, homeowners, architects, engineers, and citizens—to join forces in upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance with safety regulations.
He called for collective responsibility in ensuring that building projects are executed to the highest standards.
He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any substandard construction or unauthorised developments that may pose a risk to public safety.
“Building a safer, more organised, and sustainable Lagos is not just a responsibility; it is a commitment we owe to ourselves and future generations,” Sanwo-Olu said.
With this new initiative, the Lagos State government aims to strengthen its regulatory framework and ensure that all building projects in the state adhere to the highest standards of safety.
The Certified Accreditors’ Programme is seen as a key step in ensuring that Lagos continues to thrive as a world-class metropolis, where safety and sustainability are prioritised.
The event was well-received by stakeholders in the building sector, and the Governor’s call for a united approach to safer construction practices resonated strongly across the room.
As Lagos continues to experience rapid growth, the Governor’s emphasis on safety and accountability underscores the state’s commitment to a secure and prosperous future for all its residents.
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