Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP), a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing building safety and regulatory compliance across the state.

The programme, spearheaded by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), is a direct response to the 2021 Ikoyi building collapse, following recommendations from the investigative panel. Launching the programme in Ikeja, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the initiative’s significance in preventing future disasters and ensuring sustainable urban development.

“Today, we mark a pivotal moment in our journey toward a safer and more prosperous Lagos State,” he said.

CAP is designed to foster stronger collaboration between the government and private-sector professionals in the built environment. The initiative aims to reinforce regulatory frameworks, boost developers' confidence, improve urban aesthetics, and attract investment.

“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,” Sanwo-Olu added.

He urged all stakeholders—including property developers, architects, engineers, and homeowners—to uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance. The governor also called on the public to report substandard construction and unauthorised developments.

“I charge all accredited firms to carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism. You are now integral players in our mission to make Lagos State a model for sustainable urban development in Africa,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, revealed that out of 250 expressions of interest, 150 companies were shortlisted for CAP.

“As a matter of fact, we are still going to have super CAP agents who will be checking what we are doing so that we know that we are not alone,” Babatunde stated.

He explained that the programme includes two categories: individual professionals—teams of at least five qualified experts in relevant fields—and corporate firms, consisting of at least two registered construction and built-industry companies.

The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, described CAP as a game-changer that would enhance the agency’s efficiency while fostering innovation and excellence in building practices.

“I am therefore convinced that the launch of CAP today will help our agency to serve the people more effectively, while it will also enhance collaboration, innovation, and excellence in building practices,” Oki said.

He urged property owners and developers to cooperate with certified accreditors during inspections, warning that non-compliance would attract serious consequences.

With CAP now in motion, Lagos takes a bold step towards safer construction practices, reinforcing the state’s commitment to preventing tragedies and setting a benchmark for urban development in Africa.