LASBCA urges engineers to report illegal buildings, structural defects

The Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, has called on members of the engineering profession to report illegal building projects and structural defects to help prevent building collapse and improve public safety across the state.

A statement by the agency said the appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Ikeja Branch, led by its Vice President, Engr. Rotimi Olabowale, to the agency’s headquarters on Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja GRA.

Representing the General Manager of LASBCA, Buldr. Gbaye Florence, the Agency Secretary, Mr. Jamiu Abari, described the visit as timely, stressing that stronger collaboration with professional bodies is essential to creating a safer and more resilient built environment in Lagos.

Abari praised the Nigerian Society of Engineers for its contributions to the engineering profession and its commitment to promoting professionalism, ethical practice and compliance with standards in the construction industry.

He said LASBCA values strategic partnerships with professional organisations and remains committed to working with them to strengthen building control activities and improve service delivery across the state.

“The Lagos State Government established the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP) to deepen Public-Private Partnership within the built environment by engaging qualified professionals in monitoring construction activities, conducting stage inspections, carrying out certifications, and ensuring that building projects comply with approved standards and specifications,” Abari said.

He added that the programme has continued to complement the agency’s statutory responsibilities by improving monitoring and helping to reduce cases of building failure through the early detection of structural defects and regulatory violations.

Also speaking, the Director of Inspectorate and Quality Control/Post Construction Audit, Lagos Division, Buldr. Ibrahim Abdulrasaq, urged engineers to support the agency’s enforcement efforts by promptly reporting construction projects that fail to comply with the Lagos State Building Control Regulations.

“Timely reporting of illegal or non-compliant developments would enable the Agency to intervene early, prevent avoidable structural failures, and safeguard lives and property,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikeja Branch, Engr. Rotimi Olabowale, thanked the management of LASBCA for the warm reception and commended the agency for its commitment to enforcing building control laws and promoting safety across Lagos State.

He acknowledged the important role LASBCA plays in ensuring compliance with the state’s building regulations, describing its interventions as essential to protecting lives, property and investments.

Olabowale also requested the agency’s support and participation in the forthcoming Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikeja Branch. He said LASBCA’s participation would provide an opportunity to educate engineers, industry stakeholders and members of the public on the agency’s statutory responsibilities, regulatory procedures and best practices in building control.

According to the statement, the meeting ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship aimed at promoting professionalism, improving compliance with building regulations and ensuring a safer, more orderly and sustainable built environment across Lagos State.