Lagos State, Nigeria — The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) has rolled out a new certification and training initiative for artisans in the construction industry, as part of its drive to curb recurring building collapses across the state.
The programme, known as the Certified Structural Integrated Programme (CSIP), was formally introduced at a stakeholders’ forum held in Ese-Offin and Badagry. Artisans including block moulders, bricklayers, steel fabricators, welders, and concrete mixers pledged their support to the scheme, which is aimed at strengthening safety and quality standards in construction.
In a statement on Thursday, LSMTL General Manager Olayinka Abdul said the programme signaled a decisive step toward addressing the tragedies linked to substandard construction practices.
“Without artisans, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure every construction is safe, sound, and secure. We must earnestly curb collapses in high-water-prone communities, and we do not want such in your community. It ends today,” Abdul said.
The CSIP is a five-year assessment programme designed to certify construction materials as fit-for-purpose, while also creating a formal directory of approved block moulders, steel fabricators, and concrete mixers that developers can source from.
“This is not just about enforcement; it is about partnership and empowerment. Together, we can forge an unbreakable alliance that makes Lagos a model for building safety and integrity,” Abdul added.
Technical experts at the forum underscored the scientific foundation of the initiative. Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit, emphasised the importance of soil testing before construction, while Kayode Akinfeleye of the Technical Services Department highlighted the role of architectural drawings as a “core requirement” in the building process.
Leaders of artisan guilds welcomed the development. Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, described the frequent collapses as “disheartening,” while Mr. Fashina Aro, Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, noted Lagos’s swampy terrain made rigorous material testing and soil checks indispensable.
Building collapse remains a persistent problem in Lagos, which accounts for an estimated 55% of incidents nationwide, according to the Building Collapse Prevention Guild. In September, emergency responders pulled eight workers from the rubble of a collapsed structure in the state, underscoring the urgency of reforms.
The Lagos State Government has in recent years strengthened regulatory bodies such as the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), enhancing enforcement, monitoring, and compliance with building standards. The CSIP represents the latest push to consolidate those efforts and restore public confidence in construction safety.
About The Author
