Lagos: The Lagos State Bricklayers Association has urged the state government to work more closely with its members to improve construction quality and reduce cases of building collapse. Mr. Oyebamiji Dauda, the President of the association and National President of the Nigerian Bricklayers Association, made the appeal at a news conference at Ikorodu, Lagos State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference was to announce Lagos State Bricklayers Week 2025 and Fundraising for the association's multipurpose secretariat at Epe. The week is tagged Eko 0.4 Bricklayers Week. Dauda highlighted that many buildings constructed in the 1960s to 1980s without modern equipment are still standing strong, while some new structures have collapsed.
Dauda emphasized that before the 1990s, buildings were erected with local knowledge and practical experience, and they did not collapse. He suggested that if the government allows artisans to play a leading role in construction again, Nigeria will no longer experience building collapses. The association has trained many of its members under the National Skills Qualification framework to improve technical knowledge and promote safer construction practices.
He pointed out that while technology is important, over-reliance on foreign building methods has sidelined traditional expertise that once ensured strong and stable structures. Dauda stated, "Our forefathers built solid houses using indigenous knowledge. Today, too much dependence on paper qualifications and imported ideas has weakened our system."
Dauda called on the government to empower local artisans, include them in project supervision teams, and work more closely with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to check substandard building materials. He noted that "SON has a key role to play. If it monitors materials properly, bad iron and cement won't enter the market. Artisans alone cannot be blamed for collapse."
The General Secretary of the association, Mr. Paul Atewolara, appealed to the government to create a regulatory body for artisans to enhance professionalism in the construction sector. According to him, safety and quality cannot be achieved in the industry without recognizing the role of artisans. He disclosed that the association's annual general meeting, scheduled for Nov. 18 and 19, would focus on strengthening technical capacity, policy reforms, and collaboration with government agencies.
A former president of the association, Mr. Kayode Fatoki, mentioned that the association planned to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly to address high levies imposed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). He stated, "LASBCA's heavy charges on sites have become a major burden to our members. We want fairness."
In his remarks, a leader in the association, Mr. Abel Olusegun, urged the government to revive technical training for artisans and renew partnerships with vocational institutions. He remarked, "We want serious government-backed training and recognition for bricklayers as we had in the past."
Chief Akinmolado Olaniyi, also a former official of the association, described bricklaying as a noble profession that predated modern engineering. He noted that bricklayers were building structures before the advent of engineers and architects, and these structures have stood strong for decades.
Olaniyi, a University of Benin graduate who learned bricklaying from his father, said bricklayers remained the foundation of construction work. "Engineers design buildings, but bricklayers bring those designs to life. The government should integrate us into housing and construction programmes," he said.
He also appealed for access to financial support and inclusion in government housing schemes, saying that many members of the association faced economic hardship despite being skilled professionals. He emphasized that the association was committed to eliminating quackery, promoting safety, and ensuring artisans would continue to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's building and construction sector.