‘No going back on zero-tolerance policy for building collapse’

Agoro, who spoke at the opening of the agency’s maiden 2026 management retreat at Jubilee Chalets, at Epe, stressed that government will continue to provide the tools, enabling environment and political will to uphold the zero-tolerance policy on building collapse.

Agoro, represented by Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Abdulrafiu Fashola, noted such support must be matched with diligence, integrity and commitment to excellence by agency officials.

He described the policy as a deliberate and non-negotiable response by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to address persistent building collapse amid urbanisation.

Stressing that enforcement must go beyond policy pronouncements, he urges the agency to ensure strict compliance through thorough material testing, consistent site inspections and professional accountability.

LSMTLA General Manager, Mrs. Olayinka Abdul, said the retreat would translate government policy into actionable strategies, positioning the agency as a proactive and world-class regulatory body.

She listed infrastructure expansion, establishment of additional sample collection centres across the state; deployment of modern testing equipment and mobile collection units to enhance operational efficiency and enforcement as key reforms already carried out by the agency.

The general manager said the agency’s resolve to guarantee accuracy and reliability in laboratory testing remained in force, adding that the adoption of advanced equipment and improved laboratory processes will significantly enhance precision and quality assurance.

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She noted that sustaining the zero-tolerance policy requires strong institutional discipline, proper maintenance of facilities and a shared sense of responsibility among staff.

There were policy review sessions on enforcement of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law and the Certified Structural Integrity Programme (CSIP), strategies to combat the use of substandard materials, strengthening professional accountability through the Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP) at the retreat tagged: “Implementing and sustaining a zero tolerance policy on building collapse in Lagos State.”

Discussions were also held on integrating urban safety into broader sustainability and development initiatives.