Nigeria's COREN, BCPG Inspect Lagos Labs to Bolster Building Standards

Nigeria's construction sector is undergoing enhanced scrutiny as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) have partnered with the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) for a comprehensive inspection of 12 accredited materials testing facilities across Lagos.

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The inspection exercise, conducted recently, focused on evaluating the operational standards of accredited laboratories responsible for testing construction materials before they are deployed on building projects.

This initiative is a critical part of ongoing efforts to bolster quality assurance within the industry and, crucially, to curb the persistent problem of building failures. The inspections focused on evaluating the operational standards of laboratories responsible for testing construction materials before they are incorporated into building projects. Engr. Mrs. Olayinka Abdul, General Manager of LSMTL, highlighted that the exercise ensures only quality-certified materials are used in construction across the state.

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The team assessed several critical aspects of the laboratories’ operations, including the competence of technical personnel, laboratory capacity, equipment functionality and calibration, documentation procedures, professional certifications, and compliance with applicable technical requirements.

The COREN delegation, including Engr. Olayinka Alli, Engr. Dr. Mojirade Oloruntoba, and Engr. Tomide Akinnawo, emphasized the necessity of professionalism and strict adherence to engineering standards in the testing and certification process. They assessed key operational aspects such as personnel competence, laboratory capacity, equipment calibration, documentation, and compliance with technical requirements.

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Periodic assessments are necessary to ensure that testing equipment remains in good working condition, is regularly calibrated, and that laboratory analyses are conducted by qualified professionals in line with internationally accepted standards.

Engr. Prof. Ewaen Ikponmwosa of BCPG underscored the need for regular, independent evaluations of testing laboratories, especially those in the private sector. He noted that periodic assessments are vital to maintain equipment functionality and ensure analyses meet international standards. Similarly, Engr. Ebenezer Ologuntoye of the Nigerian Institution of Geotechnical Engineers described the inspection as a significant step in strengthening regulatory oversight, particularly for sub-soil investigations, which are mandatory for building plan approvals. Ensuring the integrity of these investigations is seen as a key preventive measure against foundation failures, a leading cause of building collapse.

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Ensuring the integrity of soil investigations would serve as a preventive measure against foundation failures, which have been identified as one of the leading causes of building collapse.