Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday officially launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme — a strategic public-private initiative aimed at improving building safety and compliance across the state.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the White Stone Event Centre, Ikeja, was hosted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and attended by industry stakeholders, professionals, and government officials.
In his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu reflected soberly on the tragic collapse of the 21-storey building in Ikoyi in November 2021, which left the state in mourning and sparked urgent calls for reform.
“You may recall the tragic events of November 2021 when we faced the heartbreaking collapse of a 21-storey building in Ikoyi. This incident was a stark reminder of the challenges we face in ensuring safety within our rapidly growing urban landscape,” the governor stated.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the new programme is a product of critical recommendations made by a panel set up in the aftermath of the Ikoyi disaster. It aims not just to regulate but to revolutionise the state’s approach to building control, ensuring stronger compliance, professional accountability, and public trust.
“This is more than just another initiative — it’s a bold step toward transforming how we build and live in Lagos. The Certified Accreditors’ Programme brings the government and private sector professionals together to create safer, more resilient communities,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further stressed the programme’s potential to drive investment, boost confidence in the real estate sector, and improve the quality of life for Lagos residents. He urged all stakeholders — from developers and engineers to architects and homeowners — to embrace the initiative wholeheartedly.
“The primary objective of this programme is to ensure the safety of our buildings. By effectively reducing the risk of building collapses, we not only protect lives and property but also foster a sense of security that is vital for any thriving community,” he said.
The governor concluded with a rallying call to action: “Building a safer, more organised, and sustainable Lagos is not just a responsibility; it is a commitment we owe to ourselves and future generations.”
With the Certified Accreditors’ Programme now underway, Lagos State is signaling a fresh era of proactive governance, professional partnership, and structural integrity in the built environment.
