Mr Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, has urged the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory  (LSMTL) to attach special importance to its quality control role and use it to prevent building collapse.

Daramola made the emphasis at a news briefing to commemorate the first year of Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, on Tuesday in Lagos.

He highlighted the importance of material testing in ensuring the safety and durability of infrastructure in Lagos State.

He said that Infrastructure development remained a critical vehicle for realising the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration’s THEMES plus Agenda and the greater Lagos vision of Africa’s model smart city.

He emphasised the critical role of material testing in guaranteeing the safety, longevity, and overall quality of infrastructure built in the state.

According to him, the concept of “Safety Assurance” is a non-negotiable priority.

Daramola stressed the significance of a strong foundation, which, according to him, served as the bedrock of any structure.

“By rigorously testing construction materials, LSMTL ensures they meet the necessary safety standards, safeguarding the lives and property of Lagos residents.

“Rigorous testing is essential to guarantee building materials meet the required safety standards.

“These standards are considered non-negotiable because they directly impact the safety of Lagos residents and their property.

“By ensuring materials meet these standards, LSMTL’s duty is to help prevent infrastructure failures that could result in accidents or injuries,” he said.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of designing and building structures with durability and safety as top priorities.

He said, “The key concept here is ‘structural integrity’, which refers to a building’s ability to withstand external elements without compromising its stability.”

Daramola explained that structures should be built to endure external environmental factors, to ensure their long-term integrity.

He said that high-quality materials are essential for achieving strong structural integrity.

” By prioritising durability and safety during the design and construction phases, LSMTL helps create long-lasting infrastructure that can withstand various environmental challenges.”

Directors from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies under Works and Infrastructure, among others, attended the meeting.