Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP)—a game-changing initiative designed to tackle the recurring issue of building collapses and enhance urban safety in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Speaking at the launch event in Ikeja on Monday, Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a major step toward ensuring safer construction practices, protecting lives and property, and boosting investor confidence in Lagos’ built environment.
A Response to Tragedy
Sanwo-Olu recalled the devastating 2021 Ikoyi building collapse, which claimed multiple lives and underscored the need for stricter regulations. Following an investigative panel’s recommendations, the Lagos State Government developed CAP in collaboration with private sector professionals.
“This isn’t just about enforcing regulations; it’s about transforming Lagos into a city where safety and sustainability drive development,” the governor emphasized.
How CAP Will Work
CAP will integrate private-sector expertise into Lagos’ building control framework, ensuring stricter oversight, better compliance, and adherence to safety standards. The initiative is expected to:
Reduce building collapses and protect residents
Encourage investor confidence, fueling economic growth
Enhance Lagos’ urban aesthetics, boosting tourism and pride
Promote sustainable development, safeguarding future generations
Call for Collective Action
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged developers, homeowners, engineers, and citizens to actively support CAP by reporting substandard construction and ensuring compliance.
“The success of this programme depends on our collective integrity and vigilance,” he stated, urging accredited firms to uphold professionalism in their work.
With CAP in place, Lagos is taking a bold stand against substandard construction and reckless urban development, reinforcing its position as a model city in Africa’s fast-growing urban landscape.
