Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, March 10, 2025, launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP), a key initiative aimed at strengthening building safety and compliance.
At the launch in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the programme’s significance in preventing building collapses, drawing attention to the tragic 2021 Ikoyi building collapse that prompted the reform.
“Today, we mark a pivotal moment in our journey toward a safer and more prosperous Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said that the CAP, developed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was a direct response to recommendations from a panel established to investigate the Ikoyi incident.
The focus, he said, was on strengthening collaboration between the government and private sector professionals in the built environment.
The governor highlighted the programme’s role in enhancing socio-economic well-being of the state.
He outlined the programme’s benefits, including ensuring building safety, attracting investments, enhancing urban aesthetics, and promoting sustainable development.
He said that a robust regulatory framework would instil confidence in developers and drive economic growth.
“By effectively reducing the risk of building collapses, we not only protect lives and property but also foster a sense of security that is vital for any thriving community,” he said.
The governor urged all stakeholders, including property developers, homeowners, architects and engineers, to collaborate in upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance to building regulations.
He also called on members of the public to report substandard constructions and unauthorised developments to relevant authorities.
“I charge all accredited firms to carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism.
“You are now integral players in our mission to make Lagos State a model for sustainable urban development in Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to building a safer, more organised and sustainable Lagos, emphasising that it was a responsibility owed present and future generations.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said that the programme went through a rigorous process to ensure that only qualified companies would be involved.
He said: “A total of 250 expression of interest forms were obtained, and 150 companies have been shortlisted.
“As a matter of fact, we are still going to have super CAP agents who will be checking what we are doing so that we know that we are not alone.”
He said there were two groups – individual professionals and consulting corporate firms.
The individual professionals, he said, consisted of a minimum of five qualified professionals in relevant fields including architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and town planning.
The corporate firms, he said, consisted of a minimum of two registered companies in the construction and built industry.
Earlier, the General Manager of LASBCA, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, said that CAP would significantly improve LASBCA’s ability to fulfill its mission of ensuring building safety.
He said it would foster better cooperation among the agency, private sector professionals and developers.
Oki said: “I am therefore convinced that the launch of CAP today will help our agency to serve the people more effectively, while it will also enhance collaboration, innovation and excellence in building practices.”
He appealed to building owners and developers to cooperate with the certified accreditors during inspections to help to prevent building collapse.
He warned that defaulters would face consequences.
By Aderonke Ojediran and Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe