Lagos Issues Strict Warning on Turning Residential Buildings into Businesses

The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning that buildings must be utilized strictly for their designated purposes, whether commercial or residential. Olayinka Abdul, the General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency, highlighted the need to prevent overloading structures, which could compromise their structural integrity.

Abdul emphasized the importance of conducting thorough assessments of building materials, noting that many are substandard and threaten the safety of long-lasting structures. During a recent meeting with officials from the Nigerian Institution of Geotechnical Engineers, she underscored the necessity for collaboration among construction professionals to enhance safety and prevent building collapses in Lagos.

She stated, “Every collapse indicates foundational issues stemming from poor coordination and misinterpretation of construction parameters.” To address this, the government has established checks to ensure that building specifications align with architectural designs, utilizing the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory to analyze construction samples.

Abdul pointed out that one of the key reasons for building failures is the negligence of professionals who fail to prioritize safety, often compromising their integrity for financial gain. She asserted that no building collapse occurs without the involvement of trained professionals in the construction process.

Ebenezer Ologuntoye, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Geotechnical Engineers, called for greater cooperation among geotechnical engineers to oversee structural integrity and implement best practices through workshops and training.

He stressed the need for detailed reports from construction sites to ensure quality assurance and to better understand the land’s geological conditions to prevent future collapses.

Last month, Abdul had criticized contractors for using substandard materials, which pose significant risks to both lives and investments. She urged engineers to take proactive steps in ensuring safety and preventing building disasters across Lagos State.