Lagos State is taking a bold step into the future with plans to implement a new building code in 2025.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform the city into a model of sustainability, safety, and innovation.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, announced the development at the Lagos State Executive Council Retreat in Ikeja GRA.
Speaking on Wednesday, Babatunde revealed that the Lagos Building Code will domesticate the National Building Code, a federal framework, while incorporating unique, localized features.
“This new code will set high-performance standards for a smart and sustainable Lagos,” Babatunde declared.
He added that the project has been a collaborative effort, involving professional bodies, academics, market women, and the general public.
The proposed code will regulate critical areas such as building control, planning permissions, and the use of construction materials.
It will also tackle urban challenges like setbacks, environmental safety, and sustainability, creating a safer and more resilient city.
Babatunde highlighted that the new regulations aim to prevent frequent building collapses that have plagued Lagos in recent years.
“These standards are not just about rules; they are about saving lives and securing the future of Lagos,” he said.
A Collaborative Effort
The participatory approach taken by the Lagos State Government has been praised as a model for inclusivity.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized this during the retreat, pointing out the significant role played by cabinet members in shaping the new code.
“What is unique about our own process is the collective input from all cabinet members,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He noted that the Lagos Building Code would provide comprehensive solutions to longstanding issues in land use, urban planning, and physical development.
Sanwo-Olu also stressed that the initiative aligns with global standards, reinforcing Lagos’s leadership in urban development.
“Lagos is the first state to domesticate the National Building Code, which underscores our commitment to innovation and leadership,” the governor added.
Preventing Tragedies
The new code is particularly significant given the alarming rate of building collapses in Lagos, which have claimed many lives.
Experts believe that enforcing stricter building regulations will minimize these incidents and enhance public safety.
Babatunde assured residents that the code would complement existing laws and improve oversight in the construction industry.
“This is not just a regulatory framework; it’s a comprehensive solution to urban challenges,” Babatunde explained.
A Vision for a Smart City
Governor Sanwo-Olu also shared his vision for a more resilient and sustainable Lagos.
He noted that the new code would promote the use of modern, eco-friendly building materials and encourage smart urban planning practices.
“We are not doing anything outside the sovereign vision, but we are ensuring that every input addresses the diverse needs of Lagosians,” he said.
The governor emphasized that the initiative is part of his administration’s broader agenda to position Lagos as a world-class city.
Public Reaction
The announcement has sparked discussions among Lagosians, with many lauding the government’s proactive approach.
“This is long overdue,” said Olumide Adewale, a civil engineer.
He added that poor building practices and lack of enforcement have been major issues in Lagos’s construction industry.
Market women and local community leaders have also expressed optimism about the initiative.
“If this code works as promised, it will make our neighborhoods safer,” said Mrs. Adebayo, a trader in Oshodi.
