Jan. 25, 2022

The Lagos State Government has initiated steps to collaborate with the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) for the prevention of building collapse in the State.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, disclosed this during the visit of a delegation from BCPG to his office in Alausa recently, noting that the State Government is collaborating with professional bodies, especially the BCPG, to stem the tide of building collapse.

He said it is high time narratives of the State exclude incidents of building collapse and urged the Guild to be more forthcoming in its relationship with the Ministry for adequate monitoring of the physical environment and eradication of all forms of illegality in building construction in Lagos State.

“We need to work with BCPG, which comprises tested professionals, to find a lasting solution to building collapse in Lagos State. We need to jointly understand the causes and work together to find lasting solutions to the menace”.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe, emphasised the need for professionals to take control of the building construction industry by reporting illegal practices and helping in shutting out quackery.

She added that the online approval platform of the Ministry, which is about to take off fully, would provide an unrivalled opportunity to validate professionals engaged in building construction projects through the platforms of their various professional bodies.

The President of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Engr. Eddy Atumonyogo, welcomed the idea of collaboration with the Guild and called for the codification of buildings to ease enforcement in the State.

Noting the importance of enforcement at every stage of building construction, the BCPG leader pledged the support of the organisation towards the realisation of the State’s aspirations for a sustainable smart Lagos, where incidents of building collapse are relegated to the background.

Others at the meeting include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba; Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Physical Planning, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, and Past Presidents of BCPG, Arc. Akinola George and Bldr. Kunle Awobodu among others.