LAGOS UNVEILS ARTISAN CERTIFICATION TO CURB BUILDING COLLAPSE
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By Sunmisola Shodayo
The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory has introduced a new certification and training initiative for artisans in the construction sector as part of efforts to mitigate the frequency of building collapses within the state.
This initiative, referred to as the Certified Structural Integrated Programme, was launched at a stakeholders’ forum conducted in Ese-Offin and Badagry, where block moulders, bricklayers, concrete mixers, steel fabricators, and welders gathered to affirm their commitment to enhanced construction practices.
In a press release on Thursday from the Lagos Government, the General Manager of LSMTL, Olayinka Abdul, stated that the programme represents a significant advancement in addressing the ongoing disasters associated with substandard construction materials.
“Without artisans, there can be no construction. However, with your involvement, we possess the capability to ensure that every construction project is safe, sound, and secure. We urgently need to mitigate instances of collapse in areas prone to flooding, as such occurrences must not happen in your community. It concludes today,” he remarked.
As outlined in the statement, the CSIP is a five-year evaluation programme designed to certify construction materials as suitable for their intended use.
Additionally, it will generate an official directory of accredited block moulders, concrete mixers, and steel fabricators, to whom developers will be referred for supplies.
“This endeavor is not solely about enforcement; it encompasses collaboration and empowerment. Together, we can create an indomitable partnership that positions Lagos as a benchmark for building safety and integrity,” Abdul further emphasized.
Technical specialists at the forum underscored the scientific foundation for this initiative. The Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, emphasized the necessity for compulsory soil testing prior to the commencement of construction.
In a similar manner, Kayode Akinfeleye from the Technical Services Department urged builders to obtain and safeguard architectural drawings, characterizing them as “an essential prerequisite in the Lagos construction process. ”
Leaders of artisan associations expressed their support for the initiative. The Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, referred to the frequent collapses as “discouraging” and praised the forum as a positive advancement.
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Additionally, the Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr. Fashina Aro, emphasized the unique characteristics of Lagos’s marshy landscape and called upon all stakeholders to ensure that material and soil assessments are conducted prior to bricklayers beginning work on any project.
Building collapse has remained a persistent issue in Lagos, resulting in numerous fatalities and significant property damage over the years.
Recent occurrences have required emergency responders to rescue individuals from collapsed edifices.
The media has reported that rescue teams extricated eight workers from the rubble of a fallen structure in September.
According to reports from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Lagos is responsible for approximately 55% of registered building collapse incidents in Nigeria over the past several decades.
In response, Lagos has implemented measures to reinforce entities such as the Lagos State Building Control Agency, thereby improving the enforcement, oversight, and regulation of construction standards.
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