Sanwo-Olu pledges to restore confidence in built industry

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, has promised stakeholders that his administration will take necessary steps to restore and improve confidence in the built industry.

Sanwo-olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Obafemi Hamzat, gave the assurance at the opening of the Y2021 Conference and just concluded 34th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers.

He also assured that his government would continue to collaborate with stakeholders, especially experts and professional bodies in the built industry, to ensure that due process and procedures are followed in the construction of buildings.

The governor said, “We all agree that the monumental tragedy of the collapsed building at Gerald road, Ikoyi where 50 lives were lost could have been avoided.

“The whole issue of building collapse is an indication of the urgent need to take a very holistic view of the entire process of building construction including the competence and professional conduct of those involved in construction, as well as the effectiveness of regulatory framework for appropriate remedial measures to avert future occurrence.”

Sanwo-olu noted that they are going to do everything possible because the truth is it could have been anybody.

“Guidelines that impact the construction of buildings must be drawn and adhered to so that we can prevent structural defects. We are not saying this as a wakeup call but a commitment to ensure that the right steps are taken place and improve confidence in the built sector. We must ask of you to help us strengthen the regulatory provision that would ensure due processes are followed in the construction of buildings,” he appealed.

The President, Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Kehinde Osifala, in his welcome address, said the theme of the conference was carefully chosen to educate its members and stakeholders on the capabilities of technology and how it relates to the future of structural engineering.

Osifala, said, “The state of building collapse in the country is embarrassing and worrisome, we have more than enough data on the subject.

“We have submitted a preliminary report of our investigation to COREN and have also submitted a memorandum to the Lagos State panel of enquiry of the collapsed building. We would not be discussing further on the issues in order not to jeopardise the outcome of the investigation.”