Governor Sanwo-Olu cautions residents and construction professionals against taking shortcuts in building projects

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on all Lagosians, especially built professionals that are engaged in the construction industry, not to cut corners in the discharge of their duties.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this, yesterday, during the commissioning of the new Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) Headquarters, “The Green Building,” at Ikeja GRA, however, said that with the right policy and execution in places, the menace of building collapse would be reduced to the barest minimum.

“On our own part as a government, we will provide an enabling environment and make policies to promote healthy buildings. The Lagos State government has been able to achieve this with the introduction of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other agencies such as Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) and Lagos Safety Commission (LCSC), among others, who play vital roles in the built environment.

“This LASBCA office will be at the forefront of this effort at collaborating with stakeholders, developers, and citizens to create a built environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and sustainable,” he said.

He said that the commissioning of LASBCA building would play a crucial role in regulating construction activities, ensuring compliance with building standards, and promoting safety in the rapidly-growing urban landscape in line with the THEMES + agenda for a greater Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu maintained that government alone could not check the menace of building collapse without the support of the teeming populace.

The governor said that with the right environment, local architects, engineers and builders could compete favourably with their foreign counterparts to deliver world class structures that can stand the test of time.

He, however, urged LASBCA boss, Gbolahan Oki, to ensure full compliance and implementation of Lagos building laws and ensure that there is no sacred cow in implementation of the laws.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke on the recent publication of government’s spendings, said: “Over the weekend, we saw on social media how governments should not behave, how people can indeed politically push people to be responsible, to be transparent, committed, and how people can indeed turn it around.

“We do not have a problem with anybody, with any individual and we want to acknowledge that this is the way we should be doing.

“We appreciate criticism. We appreciate that people will say we need to do well in the state.

On his part, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, said the edifice marked a significant milestone in the development of the city, restating the commitment of members of staff to rededicate themselves to creating a sustainable and resilient built environment for Lagosians.

Also, Oki thanked Sanwo-Olu for giving approval for the construction of the office.