LSMTL, AREDOLS HOST WORKSHOP TO TACKLE BUILDINGS COLLAPSE IN LAGOS
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By Oduola F.A.
Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) in collaboration with the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State (AREDOLS) hosted a key workshop focused on enhancing the quality of building projects in the state. The event, which took place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Ebute-Metta, aimed to address the ongoing issue of building collapses and emphasize the importance of quality assurance in construction.
Engr. Olayinka Abdul, the General Manager of LSMTL, opened the session by stressing the significance of materials testing in safeguarding public safety and promoting the growth of Lagos’ real estate sector. She emphasized that the workshop was essential to retrain and re-educate developers on best practices to curb the rising incidences of building collapses in Lagos.
“We want them to begin building right,” Engr. Abdul told hotjist.com. “We notice that some developers do not follow proper building protocols when sourcing materials and testing them. Some don’t understand the implications of where they source materials from, and the damages this causes.”
The workshop featured several distinguished speakers, including Engr. Dr. Olusegun Oyenuga, former President of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers. Dr. Oyenuga’s lecture centered on the importance of a solid foundation in construction. He emphasized, “Foundation is everything. If you don’t have a good foundation, you’re unlikely to have a good project.”
Dr. Oyenuga in an interview with hotjist.com discussed the misinterpretation of building designs, particularly for multi-story structures, as a major factor in building collapses. He stressed the necessity of soil investigations, advising, “The cost of a soil test is negligible compared to the potential losses if the project lacks a suitable foundation.” He expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to curbing the frequent incidents of building collapses in Lagos State.
The event also saw contributions from Sanni Ahmad Babatunde, the General Secretary of AREDOLS, who spoke about the importance of continuous education for real estate developers. He highlighted that their members needed to be better informed about materials testing and building standards. He commended the collaboration between AREDOLS and LSMTL, noting, “Many of our attendants have gained a lot from the lectures, and we are working towards synergizing further with the state government to ensure better construction practices.”
Babatunde also praised the support and engagement provided by Engr. Abdul and the LSMTL. In addition to the discussions on materials testing, another speaker focused on plumbing systems and the critical need for effective collaboration between plumbers and other artisans during construction projects. The speaker emphasized adherence to established principles and the importance of resolving issues promptly to avoid costly mistakes in the final structure.
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve construction standards, Engr. Abdul announced that LSMTL would be enforcing more stringent requirements for materials used in building projects across the state. “All products coming in for construction will be adequately scrutinized. Manufacturing companies will be required to meet standards with quality materials, otherwise, they won’t be allowed for use at all in Lagos State,” she said.
The GM also noted that certified structural integrity results would soon become a mandatory requirement for tenancy in Lagos buildings.
The collaboration between LSMTL and AREDOLS marks a vital step towards ensuring safer, more sustainable construction practices across Lagos. As Engr. Abdul concluded, “This is a new dawn. Let’s build a Lagos that is safe and secure for all residents across all spheres of life.”
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