… Harps On Strict Adherence To Streamlined Regulatory Processes
The General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) Agency, Engr. Olayinka Abdul has charged built professionals to strictly adhere to streamlined regulatory processes in meeting challenges for safety standards across Lagos State.
Speaking during a plenary session at the Year 2024 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIB) Lagos State Chapter, held at the Podium, Lekki on Wednesday, Abdul harped on efficiency without compromising the safety of all structures across Lagos State.
She said, “The epochal economic impact on every sector requires consistent deliberations from various experts across all spectrums of the country, especially at the critical juncture for our nation’s Real Estate landscape for safety.
“We must navigate with foresight and collaboration, which I fervently proffer a collaborative approach between Government Agencies and Industry Stakeholders, to ensure digital platforms for application submissions, inspections, and more so, enhancing materials testing processes that are accessible and seamless for all consumers”, Abdul added.
While maintaining that the materials used in the construction of projects are of quality standards, the General Manager implored “The strength and integrity of our buildings rely not only on skilled labour but also on quality materials. However, the path to achieving this quality and integrity is often obstructed by regulatory complexities which though being a double-edged sword essential to ensure safety, quality, and environmental protection to lives and properties across Lagos State”.
She averred that for the integrity of buildings to remain intact, there must be rigorous advocacy and sensitisation on her Agency’s revamped processes in meeting the realities of Lagos State’s growing population and urbanisation.
Furthermore, she informed that Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency, as the bedrock of the built society, requires quality assurance for buildings using rigorous testing methods to ascertain whether the materials used in construction can withstand environmental pressures and durability over time.
This is essential even as the Agency verifies the environmental adaptation of such materials induced by the topography of Lagos State as a major riverine community, to check for soil salinity, waterlogging and erosion, to identify those that are best suited to withstand the demanding conditions which could foster durable and sustainable structures.
She reiterated that LSMTL, as an Agency of the Lagos State Government, underscores the need for established regulatory standards and regulations to guide construction practices strictly enforced for the safety of residents’ lives, just as the quality of materials is thoroughly assessed to curb mediocrity within the built environment.
The highlight of the two-day event which commenced on Wednesday, 16th October, was the exhibition of activities guiding the infrastructural sector, for which LSMTL has an exhibition stand to tend to all its customers’ interests.
