Lagos Revokes Construction Permits And Requires Revalidation

Lagos Revokes Construction Permits And Requires Revalidation

The Lagos State Government has revoked all existing building permits and instructed builders to reapply for validation before resuming construction activities………. CONTINUE READING 

Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, made the announcement during a visit to the site of a recent building collapse in Maryland, Ikeja, on Saturday. He was joined by Mr. Gbolahun Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and other officials.

The collapse of a building under construction on Thursday at 13 Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos, resulted in the deaths of five workers.

Babatunde stated, “Effective immediately, all commencement certificates in Lagos are revoked. This applies to all construction sites, including those in the major categories. Builders must return to the LASBCA office to revalidate their permits. Sites will be sealed if documentation is not revalidated.”

He expressed profound sadness over the incident and emphasized that such tragedies should be prevented. Babatunde criticized property owners and developers for negligence and non-compliance with building regulations.

The Special Adviser highlighted the necessity of obtaining a Certificate of Completion or Fitness for Habitation before occupying any building, noting that violations would lead to prosecution.

He also mentioned that LASBCA would enhance enforcement measures, including employing private consultants to inspect buildings. The agency plans to increase its oversight by issuing stop-work orders and sealing non-compliant structures. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and resistance from developers, Babatunde urged private professionals to collaborate with the government to improve building regulation enforcement in Lagos.