The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) has taken a decisive step towards eliminating incidents of building collapse by launching a new certified partnership and training initiative for artisans in the construction industry.
The move was announced at a stakeholders’ forum held in Ese-Offin and Badagry, where Block Moulders, Bricklayers, Concrete Mixers, Steel Makers, and Welders were brought together to form a unified front for building safety in the state.
At the event, the General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, unveiled the Certified Structural Integrated Programme (CSIP), a five-year assessment initiative aimed at safeguarding buildings by ensuring that all construction materials are Certified Fit-For-Purpose.
“Without artisans, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure every construction is safe, sound, and secure. We need to earnestly curb episodes of collapse in high-water-prone communities, and we do not want such in your community. It ends today,” Engr. Abdul stated.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Abayomi Adewunmi, the General Manager traced past building failures to substandard materials such as weak blocks, poor steel reinforcements, and concrete that failed to achieve the required strength.
Emphasising the shift from Enforcement to Empowerment, Engr. Abdul assured artisans of continuous collaboration, periodic training, and the development of a certified directory. This directory will list approved Block Moulders, Concrete Mixers, and Steel Fabricators, and developers will be officially directed to patronise only those listed.
“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,” she added.
Technical experts at the forum highlighted the scientific backing of the initiative. The Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit of LSMTL, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, explained that properly tested and certified building materials can last at least 70 years. He advised builders to adopt Mechanical Block Moulding for superior strength and stressed the importance of conducting mandatory soil tests on every parcel of land before construction begins.
“The test results determine the appropriate type of structure to be erected. Soil analysis is non-negotiable for ensuring longevity and structural stability,” Engr. Adebayo explained.
Echoing this position, Engr. Kayode Akinfeleye of the Technical Services Department (TSD) at LSMTL emphasised the critical importance of securing and retaining Architectural Drawings. He described these documents as a core requirement in the Lagos building approval and construction process.
The initiative received strong support from artisan associations. The Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON), Alhaji Fabiyi Sikiru Oyeleke, described repeated incidents of building collapse as “disheartening” and commended the forum as a vital step toward a safer Lagos.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association (LSBA), Mr. Fashina Yusuf Aro, noted the challenges of working in Lagos’s swampy terrain and called for sincere collaboration across the construction sector. He urged that all materials and soil testing be carried out before bricklayers commence work on any site.
Participants at the forum reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Lagos State Government’s drive for a resilient, sustainable, and collapse-free built environment.
The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory is a government agency mandated to ensure the quality and integrity of materials used in all construction projects within Lagos through testing and certification.