The Lagos State government has cancelled all current building permits and instructed builders to reapply for validation to continue construction.
Olajide Babatunde, the special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, announced this during a visit to the collapsed building site in Maryland, Ikeja, on Saturday.
Mr. Babatunde was joined by Gbolahun Oki, the general manager of the Lagos State Building Collapse Agency (LASBCA), along with some executive members.
He said, “All commencement certifications in Lagos are revoked effective immediately. This applies to everyone with a construction site, including those in the big five category.“Return to the LASBCA office to revalidate that document; if you decide not to go for the revalidation of that documentation, we are going to seal that site.’’A building under construction collapsed on Thursday at 13, Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos, killing five workers.
Mr Babatunde, who acknowledged the government’s responsibility in preventing building collapse, blamed property owners and developers for negligence and for violating building regulations.
He emphasised the importance of obtaining a certificate of completion or fitness for habitation before occupying a building.Mr. Babatunde added that the government would prosecute anyone who violates this rule, highlighting the strict regulations regarding building construction and occupancy.
He stated that buildings must be certified by LASBCA before they can be inhabited, and failure to comply is a criminal offense. He also mentioned that the agency would enhance enforcement efforts, including the use of private consultants to inspect buildings.
Mr Babatunde mentioned that the agency has taken measures to enforce building regulations, such as issuing stop-work orders and sealing buildings.He acknowledged the challenges faced by the agency due to limited resources and uncooperative developers and urged private professionals to work with the government to strengthen the enforcement of building regulations in the state.
Gbolahun Oki, the general manager of LASBCA, detailed the agency’s response to the recent building collapse and its plans to prevent future incidents.Mr. Oki stated that LASBCA would conduct a thorough inspection of buildings in the affected estate, marking and demolishing those that are deemed unsafe.
He explained that the collapse occurred in an area with poor soil conditions, highlighting the need for rigorous building inspections and approvals.
Mr. Oki stated that the agency would strictly enforce construction hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and prohibit on-site sleeping to improve worker safety.He added that the agency would expand its capacity through a public-private partnership to enhance building control and inspection.
