The Lagos State Government has unveiled its intention to implement a new building code in 2025, aimed at establishing high-performance standards that will contribute to creating a sustainable and smart city.
This initiative is designed to align Lagos with global standards by introducing regulations that govern construction design, land utilization, and building materials, thereby promoting health, safety, and sustainability within the urban environment.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, made this announcement during the Lagos State Executive Council Retreat focused on the Domestication of the Lagos Building Code, held in Ikeja GRA.
The details were shared in a statement released by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor.
“We have been actively working on adapting the National Building Code to our local context, and by next year, we will introduce the new Lagos Building Code,” Babatunde stated.
He emphasized that the Lagos State Government has engaged with various stakeholders, including professional organizations, academic institutions, market women, and the wider public, employing a participatory approach to develop this code.
The Lagos Building Code will oversee building control, planning permissions, and will address critical issues such as setbacks, environmental safety, and sustainability, while also aiming to mitigate the risk of building collapses.
Babatunde added that this code will enhance the existing regulatory framework, providing a holistic solution to challenges surrounding land use, physical development, and urban planning.
Furthermore, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the retreat, highlighted that the Lagos Building Code is intended to implement regulations that bolster the city’s resilience and align with international standards.
He pointed out that Lagos State is the first to adapt the National Building Code, a federal guideline, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and leadership in urban development.
The governor noted the uniqueness of this domestication process, which incorporates feedback from cabinet members to ensure it meets the diverse needs of residents and relevant agencies.
“We are aligning our efforts with the overarching vision at both sovereign and sub-sovereign levels, but what sets us apart is that all cabinet members recognize the necessity of contributing their insights, as the outcomes will significantly impact lives and various ministries,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
He emphasized that the forthcoming building code for Lagos aims to establish solutions for construction standards, land use, and building materials, all geared towards enhancing health, safety, and sustainability.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this initiative seeks to strengthen Lagos’s resilience, promote sustainable practices, and effectively tackle urban planning challenges.
