Lagos enforces Certificate of Fitness for all buildings

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has mandated that all buildings must obtain a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation, as part of efforts to improve structural safety and prevent building collapses.

Mr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, announced the directive during a ministerial briefing on Monday, marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

Babatunde described the measure as crucial to tackling the persistent problem of building collapses and reaffirmed that no building would be occupied without meeting structural and safety standards.

He also highlighted the state’s progress in urban development through the Enterprise Geographic Information Service (e-GIS), implemented by the Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS), which is streamlining land records and planning data management.

The e-GIS Office is integrating digitization across key government agencies including the Lands Bureau, Physical Planning Department, Land Use Charge Office, and the Office of the State Surveyor-General.

According to Babatunde, the initiative includes a statewide mapping and survey project using UAV drones, RTK systems, and cadastral software to ensure precise land data collection and management.

He added that the e-GIS Office is also driving capacity building in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within the civil service, while supporting ministries and agencies with GIS-based integration and consultancy.

The government warned that all property owners, developers, and residents must comply with the directive or face sanctions, stressing its commitment to a safer and more organized Lagos.