Lagos Urges Bricklayers to Uphold Professional Standards, Tackle Building Collapse
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has charged bricklayers across the state to embrace professionalism and collaborate more closely with other players in the construction sector to curb the persistent issue of building collapse.
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, delivered the charge at the Lagos State Bricklayers Association’s Eko 0.4 Bricklayers Week 2025 and the launch of a N500 million new secretariat in Epe. He was represented by the ministry’s Director of Entrepreneur Development, Mrs. Taiwo Ajose.
With the theme, “Building Artisans Develop New Innovation in the Built Environment,” the event brought together bricklayers from various parts of the state to highlight innovation, training, and improved work standards.
Ajigbotafe urged members of the association to hold their membership in high esteem, work more closely with block makers, and deepen collaboration with other artisans to ensure higher-quality construction.
He also encouraged bricklayers to register formally with the government and obtain their identity cards, noting that proper documentation would help eliminate quacks and improve regulatory oversight.
The commissioner reminded members of their tax obligations, adding that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to supporting artisans through the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, which recently received land, a Coaster bus, and subvention from the government.
President of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr. Oyebamiji Dauda, said bricklayers in the state are well trained and always present certificates of competency before taking on jobs. He blamed building collapses partly on the engagement of unqualified workers, saying many developers prefer cheap labour over skilled professionals.
Dauda appealed to the state government to prioritise trained bricklayers in contract awards, stressing that members pay both personal and company taxes and require job opportunities to meet their obligations.
He highlighted ongoing projects of the association, including the completion of its secretariat at Akesan and the commencement of a new one in Epe. He expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group, other corporate bodies, and dignitaries for supporting the initiatives.
The association’s Secretary, Mr. Paul Atewolara, said this year’s theme underscores the importance of continuous learning and new techniques to enhance performance. He stressed that bricklaying requires innovation and constant improvement.
Atewolara called for stronger cooperation with government agencies such as the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to curb quackery, and advocated the formation of a regulatory body to identify and eliminate unqualified practitioners. He also disclosed that the association is developing an online registration platform to easily identify certified members.
He urged Nigerians to patronise trained local artisans instead of foreign workers.
A former president of the association, Mr. Abel Olusegun, said the group remains committed to fostering unity and ensuring quality service delivery. He called on the government to recognise the association’s contribution to the economy and protect members from the threat posed by unqualified foreign workers.
More than 150 members from various local government areas in Lagos attended the event.