Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP) through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) in Ikeja today, March 10th, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to enhance its built environment. This innovative initiative aims to improve construction quality and safety practices across Lagos by fostering collaboration between the state government and private sector professionals in the building industry.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of safety in fostering a prosperous society, stressing that ensuring secure and compliant buildings will attract investments, create job opportunities, and contribute to the advancement of urban infrastructure. He also highlighted the role of sustainable development in building a well-planned city that attracts tourism and builds a foundation for future generations.

The Governor noted that the initiative is designed not just as a regulatory measure but also as a way to foster sustainable growth by leveraging private sector expertise. By enhancing safety standards, the program aims to improve the quality of life for residents, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth.

The CAP, a public-private partnership, seeks to engage qualified professionals in enforcing building control regulations, ensuring construction activities comply with safety, structural integrity, and regulatory standards. Accredited professionals will be responsible for reviewing drawings, conducting inspections, monitoring construction activities, and enforcing building codes.

In his welcome speech, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, General Manager of LASBCA, emphasized that the event marked a significant demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the THEMES+ development agenda. This agenda prioritizes all-inclusive governance through public participation, which has culminated in the launch of the CAP by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Arc. Oki commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its numerous policy reforms within the building industry, transforming Lagos into a model of excellence. These reforms have strengthened legal building control, ensuring compliance with the state’s building code and regulations. As a result, there has been a significant reduction in building collapses and enhanced property protection through improved monitoring, enforcement, and data management.

Arc. Oki concluded by expressing confidence that the CAP launch will foster greater efficiency, collaboration, and innovation in building control, ensuring appropriate action against non-compliance with government regulations.

Engr. Nurudeen Olalekan Shodeinde, Permanent Secretary of Urban Development, highlighted the growth potential of the CAP and its role in improving the city’s infrastructure. Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on E-GIS & Urban Development, emphasized the government’s commitment to public and private participation in building control and approval processes.

This collaboration is key to improving the ease of doing business and includes focusing on indicators such as land access, building permits, contract management, and business registration.

The initiative has already garnered over 250 expressions of interest, with more than 50 companies participating. CAP involves various professional groups, including architects, engineers, builders, and registered construction companies, all working together to maintain high industry standards.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Ololade Amusa stressed the need for unbiased enforcement from the government and expressed gratitude to the LASBCA and staff for their support of the real estate sector. She urged continued support for growth despite ongoing challenges, recognizing the critical role of cooperation between stakeholders in addressing the city’s infrastructure and business climate.

Engr. (Mrs.) Olayinka Abdul, General Manager of Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), appreciated her colleagues for their support in material testing. She emphasized the importance of consistent testing every five years and assured that the agency has updated protocols with security features for verified results. She also highlighted the agency’s commitment to ensuring buildings are tested and certified for a safer environment.