Building collapse: LSMTL seeks stronger partnership with construction stakeholders in Lagos
By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe
The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) on Tuesday called for stronger collaboration with key players in the construction industry to prevent building collapses in the state.
The General Manager of LSMTL, Mrs Olayinka Abdul, made the call at a stakeholders’ forum on Tuesday in Badagry.
He was represented by the Director of Administration, Mr Adewunmi Abayomi.
The forum had the theme: “Certified Structural Integrated Programme (CSIP): Forging a New Unbreakable Alliance Against the Preventable Tragedy of Building Collapse in Lagos State”.
Abdul said the agency was introducing the CSIP as a five-year assessment plan for standing buildings in Lagos.
According to her, the programme is aimed at ensuring that every material used in construction is certified and fit for purpose.
“You are the first link in the chain. The materials you produce are the literal building blocks of our megacity.
“Without you, there is no construction. But with you, every construction can be safe and secure,” he said.
The general manager stressed that many cases of building collapse in the state could be traced to weak or uncertified materials such as blocks, concrete, steel, and untreated soil.
She noted that CSIP would serve as a strategic blueprint to end these tragedies by enforcing rigorous testing at all stages of construction.
She outlined the roles of LSMTL and its sister agencies—Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and Lagos State Building Control Agency across three stages.
“Pre-construction: mandatory soil tests before permits are issued.
“During construction: destructive tests on cement, blocks, concrete, steel, and sand.
“Post-construction: non-destructive tests using modern equipment like the Pundit and Profoscope to check the integrity of standing buildings.”
She said the state government would also create a directory of certified artisans and producers to link them with builders and developers, while providing regular training on best practices.
Abdul added that the forum was not just about enforcement but also about partnership and accountability, urging stakeholders to take ownership of quality assurance.
“We can either be part of the problem, or we can be the foundation of the solution. Let us choose to be the alliance that stopped building collapses in Lagos State,” she said.
Mr Abimbola Adebayo, Head of Soil and Geotechnics Unit, LSMTL, noted that the stakeholders’ meeting was in line with a state government policy involving sister agencies to ensure all buildings and infrastructure in Lagos are monitored from start of construction to completion.
He noted that the forum remained crucial to curb frequent building collapses in Lagos.
According to him, every building must undergo structural tests, known as non-destructive or general stability tests, to determine its condition and safety.
Adebayo said that buildings in use must be tested every five years, just like regular vehicle servicing, to ensure continued safety.
He said that failure to comply would attract penalties, adding that officers could serve notices, demand test reports, and, if owners failed to comply within the given time, issue final warnings or even seal the building.
Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, Chairman, Association of Block Moulders, Badagry Chapter, said he was happy about the engagement with the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory.
He assured that members of the association were ready to comply with the agency’s standards and give their full support.
He, however, appealed for assistance in tackling the challenge of quack block makers, who produced substandard blocks and sell them at cheaper prices.
According to him, this practice puts genuine block makers under pressure and affects their sales, though members of the association are committed to producing blocks that meet required standards.
He emphasised that producing standard blocks remained key to preventing building collapse.
Also speaking, Mr Fashina Yusuf-Aro, Chairman, Bricklayers Association, Badagry Chapter, urged artisans to always use quality materials.
He advised them to reject any job where the property owner insisted on substandard materials.
He further emphasised the need to combine both practical skills and theoretical knowledge while working on site.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the forum included block moulders, steel makers, and concrete mixers.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma
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