The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged developers and building owners in the state to adhere to the codes of building and standard regulations, News About Nigeria reports.
The governor gave this charge while speaking at the Building Sector Stakeholders Engagement, the second in the series put together by the State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), held at Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.
He noted that it has become mandatory that all relevant professionals in the built environment are fully engaged in any building construction in the state as part of measures to check the menace of building collapse.
While speaking at the event themed “Professionalism Across Boards in the Built Environment,” the governor noted that defaulters to the order will be prosecuted.
“Professionalism in the built environment in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, which I represent, is a critical undertaking that demands our attention and commitment.
“Our urban areas are experiencing rapid population growth, which places tremendous pressure on our existing infrastructural facilities.
“One major challenge we face as a government is citizens’ strict adherence to building codes, which often translates to complete disregard for building regulations by homeowners and developers.
“While we realise that shelter is of utmost importance, we constantly advocate that as responsible citizens, there is a need to build right in order to have buildings that are safe, healthy, and preserved for future generations.
“It is very crucial at this point in our history to enforce building regulations to the letter so as to prevent illegal, haphazard, and poorly constructed buildings that are detrimental to the wellbeing of Lagosians.
“That is why we are strongly advocating that only professionals should be engaged in building constructions in the state.
“The Professionals that should be engaged in the building construction are: Builders, Architects, Structural /Civil Engineers, Geologists Mechanical & Electrical Engineers.
“I daresay that engaging only these professionals will solve seventy percent (70%)of the challenges of building collapse across the state.
“Therefore, it is now mandatory that all relevant professionals in the built environment are fully engaged in any building construction in the State.
“Let me say it loud and clear here that major stakeholders in the built industry must be fully involved and play their roles adequately and effectively in the built industry,” he stated.
