In a renewed call for public vigilance, the General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, has urged residents to report any visible structural distress or unauthorized construction that could potentially lead to building collapse.
EpeInsights reports that Engr. Abdul emphasized the importance of public participation in preventing building disasters through the “See Something, Say Something” approach.
She cited the recent building collapse on Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area as a tragic example of the consequences of non-compliance with materials testing and building codes.
“The building, which had been uncompleted for over a decade, failed a destructive test and required expert structural input.
Unfortunately, instead of complying, further construction was carried out illegally and under the cover of night during the Easter public holiday,” she explained.
The illegal additions, which bypassed regulatory oversight, ultimately led to the collapse, putting lives and neighboring structures at risk.
Engr. Abdul stressed the need for residents to alert authorities immediately when they observe suspicious building activities. A dedicated WhatsApp number—07058890232—is available for such reports.
As a preventive measure, she announced that Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) will begin on surrounding buildings in the Ojodu-Berger area from Tuesday, April 22, to assess structural integrity and avert future incidents.
She also proposed mandatory five-year assessments for aging buildings across the state to ensure safety and durability.
“Without rigorous materials testing, we risk building a city on fragile foundations. Every collapse is a setback not just to infrastructure, but to lives and livelihoods,” she said.
The LSMTL, according to Abdul, plays a key role in ensuring quality control across all construction activities in Lagos. She highlighted the lab’s mission to uphold public safety, promote sustainable development, and reduce costly repairs by ensuring only high-quality materials are used.
“Materials testing isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives, minimizing waste, and building a resilient Lagos,” she added.
She concluded by urging all Lagosians to stay alert and proactive: “Your vigilance can save lives. If you see something, say something. We’re all stakeholders in building a safer city.”
