UPDATED: LAGOS MATERIALS TESTING LABORATORY, ARTISANS FORGE ALLIANCE TO END INCESSANT BUILDING COLLAPSE (PHOTOS)
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) on Tuesday, held a critical stakeholders’ forum with block moulders, bricklayers, concrete mixers, steel makers, and welders in the Badagry and Ese-Ofin areas of Lagos State, aimed at ending the recurring tragedy of building collapse.
The forum, themed “Certified Structural Integrated Programme (CSIP): Forging a New Unbreakable Alliance Against the Preventable Tragedy of Building Collapse in Lagos State,” was designed to build stronger collaboration between government regulators and artisans whose work forms the foundation of construction across the state.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the General Manager, LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Adewunmi Abayomi, said the CSIP would serve as a blueprint for assessing the safety of standing buildings every five years.
“You are the first link in the chain. The materials you produce are the literal building blocks of our megacity, Lagos. Without you, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure that every construction is safe, sound, and secure,” she said.
The GM added that the era of preventable collapses was over.
“This ends today. This ends with us,” he declared, stressing that every material must be certified fit-for-purpose before being used.
On his part, Head of Soil & Geotechnics, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, explained that the state has made it mandatory to carry out structural stability tests every five years on standing buildings.
“It is just like your motor vehicle — you go for service at every specified time. So it is with buildings. After five years, you must go back and re-evaluate to confirm its strength and safety,” he said, warning that defaulters risk penalties including sealing of their properties.
Also speaking, Engr. Kayode Akinfeleye of the Technical Services Department emphasized the need for artisans to stick to standards.
“Material is very important. It’s like a woman going to the market to prepare soup — she has to get the right ingredients. Likewise in building, if you want your structure to stand, you must use standard materials, not substandard ones,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Block Makers Association, Badagry, Mr. Fabiyi Oyeleke, pledged support for LSMTL’s reforms but called for action against unlicensed block makers.
“We are producing the standard block according to SON and LSMTL regulations, but quack block makers among us reduce prices and lure customers. We need government’s help to eradicate them,” he said.
Other speakers, including Engr. Wale Akinsanya, stressed the need for continuous collaboration between government and artisans to sustain safe building practices.
The event also featured a panel discussion, an interactive Q&A session, and ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Engr. Lola Olowu, who commended the artisans for their attendance and urged them to always abide by standards.
The forum concluded with a symbolic call for an “unbreakable alliance” between LSMTL and grassroots artisans to safeguard lives, protect investments, and ensure Lagos becomes a model for building safety.
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