Lagos, Nigeria

The Lagos State Government has raised concerns over the continued use of sub-standard materials by building contractors, warning that such practices pose severe risks to lives and property investments. The call for stricter adherence to construction standards was made by Olayinka Abdul, General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), during a meeting with the executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) in Lagos.

Abdul emphasized the urgent need for collective professional efforts across the construction industry to avert building disasters. She called for enhanced collaboration among architects, geologists, civil engineers, and other specialists involved in the design and construction of buildings, stressing that coordination is key to ensuring safer and more durable structures.

“There is a need for systematic coordination among specialists in the built industry,” Abdul stated. “If all professionals have a streamlined approach to collaboration, the episodes of building collapse can be effectively averted, as everyone contributes to ensuring the durability and safety of structures.”

The LSMTL general manager lamented that a lack of proper scrutiny and adherence to construction standards has led to a deterioration in craftsmanship, resulting in the frequent collapse of buildings across Lagos State. She further warned that the use of sub-standard materials increases the risk of loss of lives and capital investments, stressing the importance of compliance with regulations governing the construction industry, whether for residential or commercial projects.

In response, Bldr. Adeoye Thomas, President of the Nigerian Institute of Builders, expressed concern over the recurring incidents of building collapses in the state. However, he expressed optimism about the future, praising the aggressive approach taken by the LSMTL under Abdul’s leadership.

“With the decisive actions currently being taken by LSMTL, there will be proper order and optimal performance in the construction industry,” Thomas remarked.

Also present at the meeting, Engr. Adenike Saeed, Past-President of the NIOB, lauded Abdul’s leadership and commitment to improving industry standards, highlighting her role as the first female General Manager of the LSMTL as a symbol of progress and integrity in the field.

“Your leadership as the first female General Manager is commendable, and your efforts to enhance the agency’s standing in the built industry are highly appreciated,” Saeed stated.

The meeting, which served as a precursor to the NIOB’s upcoming Annual General Meeting, underscored the shared commitment of industry professionals to address the recurring issue of building collapses in Lagos through collective action and regulatory compliance.