LAGOS SEALS 827 CONSTRUCTION SITES OVER NON-COMPLIANCE WITH QUALITY CONTROL RULES
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has sealed a total of 827 construction sites across the state within the past 12 months for failing to comply with quality control regulations, as part of intensified efforts to curb building collapse.
The General Manager of the agency, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, disclosed this on Monday during the Lagos State Annual Press Briefing on Works and Infrastructure held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
She explained that building collapse remains a major concern in Lagos, noting that over 70 per cent of such incidents occur in informal settlements and unapproved developments where developers often bypass mandatory testing procedures.
According to her, the agency has transitioned from reactive inspections to a proactive, intelligence-driven quality assurance system, introducing several reforms since 2024 to strengthen structural safety across the state.
Engr. Abdul said the reforms include the full digitisation of materials testing through an electronic management system that assigns unique tracking codes to samples to prevent manipulation or falsification of results.
She also stated that a three-stage mandatory testing regime—covering foundation, structural frame, and roofing stages—has been enforced before construction approval can be granted. In addition, GPS-enabled geotagging now allows remote verification of construction sites by enforcement teams.
The agency has also introduced an accreditation system for private laboratories, allowing only certified “List A” laboratories that pass bi-annual proficiency tests and audits to submit acceptable results in Lagos State.
Engr. Abdul further announced the launch of a whistleblower hotline and WhatsApp reporting line to enable residents report suspicious construction activities, with a rapid response unit empowered to shut down illegal casting within 48 hours.
She added that the agency is collaborating with professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Nigerian Institute of Building, and real estate developers’ associations to implement a “Quality Control Passport” scheme for construction professionals.
Presenting enforcement data for the review period, she said 3,181 notices were issued, while 827 sites were sealed. She added that 822 enforcement visits were conducted, leading to 439 immediate shutdowns, while 383 complied within the stipulated timeframe.
She noted that 388 of the sealed sites have since met required conditions, paid penalties, and resumed work under strict monitoring.
The agency also conducted thousands of laboratory tests during the period, including steel, concrete, water, soil, geotechnical and pile integrity tests, as part of ongoing monitoring of construction quality across Lagos.
Engr. Abdul stressed that the enforcement actions are aimed at sending a clear message that no building is exempt from regulation, regardless of size or ownership.
She urged residents to demand valid test certificates before occupying new buildings and encouraged the public to report suspicious construction activities through the agency’s hotline or WhatsApp contact lines.
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