The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has reiterated its commitment to the enforcement of building regulations as Lagos continues to experience rapid urban growth and construction activities across the state.
Speaking on the agency’s mandate, the General Manager of LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, said the agency exists “to protect lives and property by enforcing building regulations and standards that guide construction activities across the state.”
She noted in a Monday statement that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, Lagos requires strong regulatory oversight to ensure that development remains safe, orderly, and sustainable.
LASBCA operates under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, which empowers it to regulate building construction, monitor compliance with approved plans, and prevent structural failures.
According to the GM, building regulations are “not designed to hinder development but to provide a framework that guarantees structural stability, environmental safety, and public confidence.”
She stressed that all categories of buildings—residential, commercial, or industrial—must meet minimum safety standards before and during construction.
She noted that central to the agency’s work is the enforcement of the Lagos State Building Code, which prescribes technical standards for design, materials, workmanship, and construction methods.
These standards, the agency noted, cover areas such as structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, electrical installations, sanitation, and accessibility.
She explained that compliance ensures buildings can withstand environmental pressures like heavy rainfall, soil movement, and increased occupancy, which are common in Lagos.
She further stressed that “no building project is allowed to commence without proper approval of architectural and structural designs by qualified professionals.”
According to her, submitted designs are carefully reviewed to ensure conformity with approved land use, zoning regulations, and safety requirements, a process she said protects developers from future losses while safeguarding occupants and neighbouring communities.
The General Manager stated that “compliance must go beyond paper documentation to actual practice on construction sites,” adding that the agency officers regularly inspect projects to ensure adherence to approved plans and use of appropriate materials. Any deviation, she said, is promptly addressed to prevent structural compromise.
On enforcement, Florence maintained that while the agency prioritises guidance and corrective measures, it will issue stop-work orders and apply sanctions when violations pose serious risks, noting that “building regulations are non-negotiable when public safety is at stake.”
She also highlighted LASBCA’s adoption of digital platforms for plan submissions and monitoring, which she said had reduced delays and improved transparency.
