The Lagos State Building Control Agency has expanded its activities to its new office to address the recurring issue of building collapses within the state.
In his speech at the unveiling of the new Lagos State Building Control Agency’s building in the Ikeja area of the state on Tuesday, the Governor of the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, asserted that with the inauguration of the agency’s building, it is repositioned to effectively discharge its responsibilities in line with the agenda of the government.
He said, “The newly inaugurated office will serve as the nerve centre for these vital functions, equipped with modern technology and skilled workforces to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
“In a rapidly evolving city like ours, it is imperative that we have robust mechanisms in place to address the challenges of urbanisation.
“This LASBCA office will be at the forefront of this effort to collaborate with stakeholders, developers, and citizens to create a built environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and sustainable.”
Sanwo-olu further urged all the staff of the agency to rededicate and recommit themselves to achieving the mandates of this agency.
He added, “I want to use this opportunity to call on all Lagosians especially professionals that are engaged in the construction industry not to cut corners in the discharge of their duties because trying to cut corners has been majorly identified as the cause of building collapse in our society today.
“It is not just in Nigeria that we have seen or heard of buildings collapsing but all over the world. But with the right policy and execution in place, this menace will be reduced to the barest minimum. On our part as a government, we will provide an enabling environment and make policies to promote healthy buildings.
“The Lagos State Government has been able to achieve this with the introduction of the Lagos State Building Control Agency and other agencies like Material Testing Laboratory and Lagos Safety Commission amongst others who play vital roles in the built environment.
“However, you must agree with me that the government alone cannot do it without the support of the teeming populace. The task of reducing the menace of building collapse in our society is for everyone and it requires an attitudinal change across the board. When you see something going wrong in society, say it out loud. LASBCA district and zonal offices are all over the state where you can easily report any distressed building. I assure you that the confidentiality of your report is guaranteed and safe.”
Speaking on the importance of the agency’s new building, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the inauguration of the building would further assist with the commencement of the ongoing Certified Accreditation Program.
He said, “This project shall further assist with the commencement of the Certified Accreditation Programme which is a programme that brings in private sector professionals into the built environment to collaborate with the Lagos State Government professionals towards an efficient service delivery of our planning permit and stage certification on building process.”
Meanwhile, the General Manager, LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, said with the new office opening, the agency was equipped to serve the people of the state more efficiently, saying, “The LASBCA office would serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and excellence in building control practice. This building demonstrates our ability as an agent to adequately perform our duty as specified by the law, our commitment to uphold the highest standard of construction, and ensure compliance with regulations.”
Olaoye Olusegun
PRO LASBCA