Lagos govt revokes building permits, orders revalidation

The Lagos State government has revoked all existing building permits and ordered builders to reapply for validation to continue operation in the state.

The Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development to the Governor, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, stated this during a visit to the site of the collapsed building in the Maryland area of the state on Saturday.

Babatunde was accompanied to the site by the General Manager, Lagos State Building Collapse Agency (LASBCA), Mr. Gbolahun Oki, and some members of the state executive council.

At least five people were killed when a building under construction collapsed at No. 13, Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos, on Thursday.

He said: “All commencement certifications in Lagos are revoked effective immediately. This applies to everyone with a construction site, including those in the “Big Five” category.

READ ALSO: Death toll in Lagos building collapse reaches three

“Return to the LASBCA office to revalidate that document. If you decide not to go for the revalidation of that documentation, we are going to seal that site.’’

He expressed sorrow over the incident and stressed that such occurrences should not happen.

Babatunde, who acknowledged the government’s responsibility in preventing building collapse, blamed property owners and developers for negligence and for violating building regulations.

He stressed the importance of obtaining a Certificate of Completion or Fitness for Habitation before occupying a building.

He added that the government would prosecute anyone found violating the rule.

The governor’s aide noted that the government had strict regulations regarding building construction and occupancy.

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