Lagos building officials urge digital adoption and professional specialization

Building professionals in Lagos are being urged to adopt digital technologies and adhere strictly to their specific areas of expertise to prevent structural failures.

Rasheed Owolabi, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), advocated for the integration of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling, drones, and remote monitoring systems. He emphasized that while technology can improve procurement, monitoring, and quality management, it must be paired with professional competence and regulatory compliance to ensure safety.

Simultaneously, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) warned against role overlap among industry specialists. General Manager Gbaye Florence cautioned architects, engineers, and town planners against performing duties outside their defined professional scopes. This warning follows a fatal building collapse in Satellite Town in June, highlighting the need for synergy and specialized accountability to build a more resilient Lagos.