The Lagos State Government has introduced a new certification and training scheme for artisans in the construction sector, aimed at reducing the recurring problem of building collapses across the state.
The initiative, known as the Certified Structural Integrated Programme (CSIP), was unveiled by the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) at a stakeholders’ forum in Ese-Offin and Badagry. Artisans, including block moulders, bricklayers, concrete mixers, steel fabricators, and welders, gathered to express their commitment to safer construction practices.
General Manager of LSMTL, Olayinka Abdul, described the programme as a critical intervention in addressing the dangers linked to poor-quality construction materials and practices.
“Without artisans, there is no construction. But with your expertise, we can ensure every project is safe, sound, and secure. The frequent collapses in flood-prone communities must stop, and that responsibility lies with all of us,” Abdul said.
According to the state government, CSIP will operate as a five-year assessment and certification programme to guarantee that construction materials meet safety standards. The initiative will also produce an official directory of certified block moulders, concrete mixers, and steel fabricators, which developers will be encouraged to patronise.
“This is not just about enforcement; it is about partnership and empowerment. Together, we can build a system that makes Lagos a model for structural integrity,” Abdul added.
Technical experts at the forum reinforced the scientific basis for the initiative. Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, 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 Lagos building approval process.
Leaders of artisan guilds welcomed the programme. Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, described frequent building collapses as “disheartening,” praising the forum as a move in the right direction. Similarly, Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr. Fashina Aro, pointed to the challenges of Lagos’s swampy terrain and urged strict adherence to soil and material testing before any bricklaying work begins.
Building collapse remains a persistent challenge in Lagos, accounting for over half of such incidents recorded nationwide in the past decades, according to the Building Collapse Prevention Guild. In September, emergency responders rescued eight workers from the rubble of a collapsed structure, underscoring the urgent need for reforms.
The state government has continued to strengthen regulatory bodies such as the Lagos State Building Control Agency, with enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement of construction standards.
