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Articles by Lydia Ngwakwe
ANALYSIS: FG cancelling poor road contracts as Tinubu pushes renewed hope agenda
In demonstration of commitment to effective delivery of infrastructure under its Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has cancelled some road construction contracts across Nigeria. The government’s new approach to road construction focuses on performance and results instead of allowing projects to drag for years without progress. This followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that roads must support economic growth and reduce the suffering of Nigerians.
Examining the roles of artisans in construction sector
By Lydia Ngwakwe Nigeria’s booming construction industry relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of its artisans. Undoubtedly, the construction industry will not flourish without these groups of individuals- masons, bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders and tilers, among others. These skilled workers, often overlooked, play vital roles in transforming designs into physical structures, stakeholders insist.
LASBCA advises Makoko residents to vacate buildings under power lines
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has advised residents of Makoko community to vacate buildings situated beneath high-tension power lines due to extreme dangers of electrocution, fires and structural damage. Mr Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, gave the advice in Lagos while addressing our correspondent on some enforcement exercises.
Lagos Govt. To Demolish Illegal Structures On Banana Island
2 total views today Demolition By Lydia Ngwakwe The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin marking illegal buildings on Banana Island for demolition, by Monday. Mr Gbolahan Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made the announcement at a stakeholders meeting on Banana Island, on Thursday. He said that the buildings were encroaching on prohibited areas, violating building codes and posing safety risks.
Lagos Govt. To Demolish Illegal Structures On Banana Island
Demolition By Lydia Ngwakwe The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin marking illegal buildings on Banana Island for demolition, by Monday. Mr Gbolahan Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made the announcement at a stakeholders meeting on Banana Island, on Thursday. He said that the buildings were encroaching on prohibited areas, violating building codes and posing safety risks.
Don Advises FG On Affordable Housing For Vulnerable Individuals
By Lydia Ngwakwe A retired Professor of Sociology, Lai Olurode, has urged the Federal Government to partner the private sector to deliver affordable housing for the vulnerable in the country. Olurode disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos. He was reacting to the Federal Government’s proposed construction of 100,000 social housing units for vulnerable groups across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.
Don advises govt on affordable housing for vulnerable individuals
A retired Professor of Sociology, Lai Olurode, has urged the Federal Government to partner the private sector to deliver affordable housing for the vulnerable in the country. Olurode, who disclosed this in an interview on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Lagos, was reacting to the Federal Government’s proposed construction of 100,000 social housing units for vulnerable groups across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.
FG announces Iddo Bridge height restrictions
News Express | 9th Feb 2025 | 5 By LYDIA NGWAKWE The Federal Government has appealed to drivers, particularly those of articulated trucks, using the Iddo Bridge, to watch for diversion signs as height restriction barriers will soon be installed. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that these restrictions were necessary to facilitate repairs.
Iddo Bridge repairs begin Feb. 2 - FG
News Express | 30th Jan 2025 | 7 By LYDIA NGWAKWE The Federal Government has said that it will impose vehicular restriction on the Iddo Bridge in Lagos State, from Feb. 2, to facilitate essential repairs. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made the disclosure at a press briefing on Wednesday in Lagos. She said that the restrictions were necessary to ensure public safety while the government would be addressing the bridge’s structural integrity issues.
Iddo Bridge repairs begin Feb. 2 - FG
The Federal Government has said that it will impose vehicular restriction on the Iddo Bridge in Lagos State, from Feb. 2, to facilitate essential repairs. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made the disclosure at a press briefing on Wednesday in Lagos. She said that the restrictions were necessary to ensure public safety while the government would be addressing the bridge’s structural integrity issues.
CAP: Lagos Urges Collaboration Among Building Professionals - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
73 total views today By Lydia Ngwakwe The Lagos State Government has emphasised the need for collaboration among professionals in the built environment. Mr Owodunni Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made the emphasis at the Implementation of Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP)- Official Opening of Expression of Interest (EOI) Box, on Friday in Lagos.
CAP: Lagos Urges Collaboration Among Building Professionals
By Lydia Ngwakwe The Lagos State Government has emphasised the need for collaboration among professionals in the built environment. Mr Owodunni Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made the emphasis at the Implementation of Certified Accreditors Programme (CAP)- Official Opening of Expression of Interest (EOI) Box, on Friday in Lagos.
FG dismisses rumour of Third Mainland Bridge shaking
News Express | 16th Jan 2025 | 50 Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos By LYDIA NGWAKWE The Federal Government has debunked a rumour that the Third Mainland Bridge is shaking, describing it as baseless and driven by ulterior motives. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some messages on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook claim that a part of Third Mainland Bridge has opened up and the bridge is shaking.
CCTV on high-rise buildings now compulsory - Lagos Govt
News Express | 14th Jan 2025 | 17 Lagos state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide Lagos state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide By LYDIA NGWAKWE The Lagos State Government has made it mandatory for building owners in the state to install Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) on buildings of six floors and above.
NSE Wants Young Engineers Embrace AI As Critical Skillset
By Lydia Ngwakwe The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos Branch, has urged young engineers to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical skillset. The Chairman of NSE, Lagos Branch, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, gave the advice at the graduateship induction ceremony organised for the young engineers by the branch, on Monday. The event was organised by the branch in conjunction with the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos.
Lagos urges residents to report planning infractions
The Lagos State Government has urged the state residents to actively participate in urban planning by reporting any violation of regulations. The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, gave the advice in a statement on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The statement was signed by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mr Mukaila Sanusi. Olumide said: “Proper planning cannot be done without the support and contribution of the people.
LASBCA denies demolishing Lekki building
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has refuted claims in an online video that it demolished a building at 1A Olubunmi Owa Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Eti-Osa, Lagos. The General Manager of LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki, made the denial in a statement issued by the agency’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Mr Adu Adegoke, on Friday. Oki said that the removal of an attachment to the building was carried out by the property owner.
Lagos seals Coca-Cola, FrieslandCampina, Guinness for tampering with ground water
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has sealed three companies for extracting large quantities of groundwater for commercial purposes without proper authorisation and compliance with regulations. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three companies are Nigerian Bottling Company, producers of Coca-Cola, FrieslandCampina, makers of Peak Milk and Guinness Nigeria Plc.
Lagos Govt gives Island residents 2-week ultimatum over environmental issues
News Express | 7th Dec 2024 | 2 LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki speaking at the sensitisation forum LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki speaking at the sensitisation forum By LYDIA NGWAKWE The Lagos State Government through its relevant agencies, on Friday, issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of Lagos Island to clean up their environment.
Lagos gives Island residents two-week ultimatum over environmental issues
The Lagos State Government, through its relevant agencies, on Friday, December 6, 2024, issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of Lagos Island to clean up their environment. The move aims at addressing growing environmental concerns, including blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and illegal constructions.
NSE addresses public curiosity on Lagos-Calabar road project
The Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has pledged to continue addressing the high level of public interest and curiosity surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. By Lydia Ngwakwe The Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has pledged to continue addressing the high level of public interest and curiosity surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Building collapse: Lagos Govt. seeks collaboration for improved quality, safety
The Lagos State Government has called for collaboration between industry professionals, policymakers and regulatory bodies to improve building standards and practices. Mrs Olayinka Abdul, General Manager, Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), made the call at the maiden stakeholders’ forum organised by the agency. LSMTL organised the forum in collaboration with the Association of Real Estate Developers of Nigeria, on Thursday in Lagos.
Lagos-Calabar highway: Why we need public understanding, patience - FG
The Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians displaced and inconvenienced by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction to be patient and tolerant, assuring them that the project would have enormous benefits. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made the appeal during a tour of some sections of the project on Thursday. It was reported that Kesha was in company with some members of the Nigeria Society of Engineers.
FRCN Fire: DG Appreciates Public Support, Promises Station’ll Rise Stronger
49 total views today  By Lydia Ngwakwe Dr Mohammed Bulama, Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has expressed gratitude for the public’s support and solidarity in the wake of the fire incident at its Lagos office. Bulama expressed his appreciation on Tuesday in Lagos after touring the building to assess the damage caused by the inferno. Recall that a late-evening fire broke out at the Radio Nigeria premises in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Nov. 27, around 5:30 pm.
FRCN Fire: DG Appreciates Public Support, Promises Station’ll Rise Stronger
 By Lydia Ngwakwe Dr Mohammed Bulama, Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), has expressed gratitude for the public’s support and solidarity in the wake of the fire incident at its Lagos office. Bulama expressed his appreciation on Tuesday in Lagos after touring the building to assess the damage caused by the inferno. Recall that a late-evening fire broke out at the Radio Nigeria premises in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Nov. 27, around 5:30 pm.
Rate of accident on Third Mainland Bridge worrying -FG
The number of accidents recorded on Third Mainland Bridge since its repair is unprecedented and caused by impatience and indiscipline. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, expressed the worry in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos. Kesha urged motorists to exercise caution and discipline on the bridge, especially during the Christmas season, to reduce accidents and the attendant loss of lives and property.
Lagos-Sango-Ota Road to reopen within 10 days
The Federal Government has begun asphalt overlay work on the Lagos-Sango-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway and is ready to open the road to traffic within the next 10 days. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, while addressing concerns about road repairs. The Federal Government had, in September, begun emergency palliative repairs on a seven-kilometer stretch of the road within Lagos State.
Lagos Govt. Commits To Safer, Organised, Integrated City
By Lydia Ngwakwe Lagos State has resolved to develop a plan for improving Lagos physical planning and urban development. The decision was made in a communiqué signed by Mr Oluwole Sotire, Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. It was made available to newsmen on Friday in Lagos. The communique emanated from the recently-organised 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit.
Lagos introduces online portal for building material testing
News Express | 24th Nov 2024 | 8 By LYDIA NGWAKWE The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has launched an online registration portal to streamline its material testing processes. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the web registration portal was launched during the eGIS retreat 2.0, held at the 21st Century Technologies, Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday.
LASG revokes unoccupied housing units
News Express | 14th Nov 2024 | 291 Gov Sanwo-olu of Lagos State Gov Sanwo-olu of Lagos State By Lydia Ngwakwe The Lagos State Government has announced the revocation of unoccupied housing units allocated to subscribers left vacant for over two years. The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, announced this in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs Unit, Mr Ganiu Lawal, on Wednesday in Lagos. Akinderu-Fatai said this during a visit to enforce the directive of Gov.
Lagos-Calabar Road: FG increases compensation to N18bn
News Express | 4th Nov 2024 | 7 Minister of Works, Sen Dave Umahi Minister of Works, Sen Dave Umahi By LYDIA NGWAKWE The Federal Government has increased the compensation amount for property owners affected by the construction of the Section 1, Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The government increased the compensation sum from the initial N8 billion to about N18 billion. The Minister of Works, Sen.
FG proposes N341 billion for repairs of roads, bridges nationwide
By Lydia Ngwakwe The Federal Government has proposed N341 billion for the emergency repair of roads and bridges across the country. This announcement was made by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during a briefing with members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works regarding the repair status of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges on Saturday.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: NASS passes vote of confidence in Umahi
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: NASS passes vote of confidence in Umahi News Express | 2nd Nov 2024 | 41 By LYDIA NGWAKWE The National Assembly and Joint Committee on Works has passed a vote of confidence in the Ministry of Works, Mr David Umahi, affirming the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a work in progress. The joint committee members passed the vote of confidence in Umahi when he led them on on-the-site assessment of the ongoing infrastructure projects on Friday in Lagos.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Regional planning crucial, says town planner
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise urban planning to ensure sustainable and equitable development in Nigeria. NITP President, Mr. Nathaniel Atebije, who made the call in an interview on Sunday, October 20, 2024, in Lagos, stated that urban planning is crucial particularly now that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project implementation is ongoing.
LASBCA issues two-week ultimatum to residents of distressed Iponri buildings
By Lydia Ngwakwe The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of over 15 distressed buildings in the Iponri Housing Estate, Surulere. These structures have been declared unsafe due to their deteriorating conditions, which pose a significant risk of collapse.
Fashola urges Lagos to streamline building approval process
A former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has urged the state government to streamline the process for obtaining development and building approvals. Fashola gave the advice at the 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit on Tuesday. He argued that the current system, which could take up to two years, was deterring investors and hindering economic growth.
Fashola wants town planners to lead in city planning
A former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has called on town planners to be more vocal and proactive in registering their visions and expertise in the Lagos Megacity master plan. Fashola said this at the 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit with the theme, “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity”, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in Lagos.
Umahi insists on use of concrete for reconstruction of Lagos-Abeokuta expressway
By Lydia Ngwakwe The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has directed that the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway should be re-constructed with concrete pavement to address the threat of water to asphalt pavement. Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of emergency repairs of a seven-kilometer stretch of the road within Lagos State, on Tuesday. He noted that the Ogun section of the road was already handled by the state government.
FG confident Lagos-Calabar Highway will be ready by May 2025
The Federal Government has assured that the ongoing construction of the first 47 kilometers of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be ready by May 2025. The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, gave the assurance while inspecting an evacuated but now refilled section of the road that had served as a refuse dumpsite.
Sanwo-Olu tasks leaders on enabling environment for youths
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on leaders and stakeholders across all spheres to prioritise creating an environment where youths By Lydia Ngwakwe The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on leaders and stakeholders across all spheres to prioritise creating an environment where youths can reach their full potential. Sanwo-Olu made the call in his keynote address during the commemoration of the 2024 World Habitat Day, on Monday in Lagos.
Block moulders back FG’s mandatory artisan registration
The National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) says the Federal Government’s plan to enforce mandatory registration of artisans before they can practice will address quackery. The National President, NABMON, Mr Adesegun Banjoko, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos. He said the decision would have significant and positive impact on the Nigerian economy.
Lagos moves to enhance physical planning compliance
The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has expressed concern about low compliance level with physical planning regulations. The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, expressed the concern in a chat with journalists on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in Lagos. He said that the ministry would not tolerate people’s reluctance to obtain necessary permits.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
By Lydia Ngwakwe Lagos, Sept. 30, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has begun palliative repairs on the dilapidated sections of the Lagos-Sango-Otta-Abeokuta Expressway. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, inspected the palliative works on the about seven kilometers damaged portion of the road, on Monday. Kesha said that the length of the entire road within the Lagos axis was 18km, noting that only the badly damaged sections would be attended to.
FG promises timely completion of Lagos-Calabar Highway
The Federal Government has reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Works to ensure timely completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Korede Kesha, said this while inspecting the progress of works on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other road projects on Thursday in Lagos. Kesha also expressed optimism about the progress of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
ECOWAS meets to approve Lagos-Abidjan Highway design
News Express | 22nd Sep 2024 | 20 By LYDIA NGWAKWE Heads of ECOWAS member states met on Saturday to finalise and approve the design of the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway Development Project preparatory to initiating the procurement process at its next meeting. The meeting which was held in Lagos, was chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, discussed the project which is expected to cost 15 billion dollars and deepen regional economic integration.
FG shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
The Federal Government on Friday shut down the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks for essential asphalt resurfacing. The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made this known in a statement, early hours , on Saturday in Lagos. The Federal Ministry of Works plans essential asphalt resurfacing work on Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks effective from Friday, Sept. 20, by 7.00 a.m, through Nov. 20.
Just In: FG shuts Eko bridge for eight weeks
By Lydia Ngwakwe The Federal Government has shut down the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks spanning Friday, Sept. 20, by 7.00 a.m, through Nov. 20 for asphalt resurfacing work. “The closure will be full at some sections of the bridge and partial at other sections.
Sanwo-Olu harps on professionalism to curb building collapse
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised the importance of professionalism and adherence to building regulations in addressing building collapse in the state. Sanwo-Olu said this at the second edition of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) stakeholders engagement, on Thursday, in Lagos.
LASG denies revoking existing building permits
By Lydia Ngwakwe The Lagos State Government says it has not revoked all existing building permits as reported in some online media. Mr Olaoye Olusegun, Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) made the clarification in a statement on Sunday in Lagos. According to him, the report is untrue and misleading and should be disregarded.
Rainfall: FG pledges timely completion of Lagos-Calabar highway
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project will be timely completed, saying rainfalls will not affect pace of work. The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
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