LSMTL calls for precision in building safety standards

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has urged its technical consultants to prioritize precision and credibility in materials testing results to curb building collapses across the state.

This call was made by the General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, during a training program held on Friday at the Lagos State Public Works Corporation Conference Hall in collaboration with the Association for Consulting Engineers of Nigeria (ACEN).

Engr. Abdul emphasized the need for accurate reporting techniques and rigorous laboratory scrutiny in materials testing. She highlighted the importance of credible data, stating, “You must defend every result issued from your office. Conduct credible tests for building materials without proffering remedies or misinformation.”

The training program is part of the Lagos State Government’s strategy to enhance the built industry by fostering professionalism and implementing robust standards. Abdul further reiterated the significance of raw data in aiding LSMTL to develop policies that ensure the construction of durable structures.

In her keynote address, Engr. Funmi Kadiri, Managing Director of ACEN, commended the Lagos State Government for its leadership in setting high benchmarks in the construction sector. She noted that the training aims to avert disasters related to building collapses and improve the reliability of construction projects.

“This training introduces innovative materials testing techniques recognized globally, empowering participants to adopt best practices and tackle industry challenges effectively,” Kadiri said.

Engr. Olusola Sanni, a facilitator and Director of Sanni, Ojo & Partners Consulting Limited, stressed the importance of Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) for existing buildings to ensure structural integrity.

He explained that cracks often result from rusting iron rods or chloride-contaminated sand, emphasizing the need for calibrated equipment for accurate assessment.

“Specialized equipment must be properly certified, and users should thoroughly understand their operation through detailed manuals,” Sanni advised.

Engr. Kemi Oluwasegun, a civil and project engineer, highlighted the importance of correlating test results with site observations. She remarked, “Engineering is akin to medicine—lives depend on its precision. Proper calibration of equipment is critical to avoid disasters.”