Lagos State Govt Parleys With Media On Proposed Building Code

The Lagos State Government has engaged the media on the need to domesticate the National Building Code by producing a Lagos State Building Code that will supply the missing link in the existing regulatory framework.

Addressing participants at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja venue of the event, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, stated that the review will focus on performance standards for buildings in the State rather than design standards.

The Commissioner said: “As a performance-based building code, the Lagos State Building Code covers aspects such as structural stability, durability, protection from fire, access, moisture control, energy control and services and facilities”.

He pointed out that the revised building code would complement the existing building regulatory system in the State and address the challenges of land use, physical development and urban planning.

According to Dr. Salako, when operational, the building code will address the peculiarities of the State and its different localities, with building performance standards, while minimising the cost of untold disasters from flooding, building collapse and fire outbreaks, among others.

He gave an assurance that domestication of the National Building Code and its eventual launch as the Lagos State Building Code would berth another national model from the Centre of Excellence.

Calling on the media to give the initiative extensive publicity for public acceptance, the Commissioner expressed confidence that implementation of the Lagos State Building Code would prompt voluntary compliance from the public and all stakeholders.

In his contribution, the Special Adviser, E-GIS, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said the domestication of the National Building Code will take cognisance of the peculiarities of Lagos State as opposed to the wholesale adoption of its contents.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe, stated that Lagos embarked on the initiative after a series of stakeholders’ engagements and contributions with the support of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

She explained that the Building Code would ultimately incorporate the Energy Efficiency Code and the Green Building Concept.

Also present at the event were the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, and the General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike.