The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen infrastructure safety by advancing the domestication of the Subsurface Geological and Geotechnical Investigation Regulation to improve construction standards across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) convened an inter-ministerial stakeholders’ meeting to review the proposed regulation aimed at promoting safer, more resilient and sustainable infrastructure development.
The meeting brought together representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), professional bodies, construction experts and industry stakeholders to discuss the framework and its implementation.
Welcoming participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu, said collaboration among government institutions and industry professionals is essential to achieving safe infrastructure development.
She explained that Lagos’ rapid urban growth makes it necessary to establish stronger regulations that ensure the integrity of the ground before construction projects begin.
According to Kasunmu, proper geological and geotechnical investigations are critical to ensuring that buildings, roads and other infrastructure are designed on reliable scientific data.
She noted that past structural failures have highlighted the need for more rigorous subsurface investigations and stricter professional standards within the construction industry.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the domestication of the regulation to provide a clear legal framework for the registration and supervision of qualified service providers.
She added that the regulation will introduce procedures for issuing permits, certifying investigation reports and strengthening regulatory oversight across the sector.
Kasunmu said only qualified and certified professionals will be authorised to conduct geological and geotechnical investigations in accordance with internationally recognised standards.
Delivering the first technical presentation, Director of Geological Services, Mr. Kuseju Adegoke, identified existing regulatory gaps that have allowed unqualified operators to participate in specialised investigations.
He explained that Lagos possesses unique geological characteristics, including wetlands, reclaimed land, soft marine clay and constantly changing soil conditions, making comprehensive investigations essential before construction begins.
According to Adegoke, the Ministry is developing a transparent registration and certification process that will assess service providers based on professional qualifications, technical expertise and specialised equipment.
He said companies that successfully meet the required standards will receive Certificates of Competence from the Ministry before undertaking subsurface investigations in Lagos.
Adegoke also revealed that all investigation reports will follow a standard reporting format developed by the Ministry and undergo regulatory review before being accepted for development approvals.
He noted that the new framework will improve accountability, promote professionalism and ensure that reports submitted for government approvals are scientifically reliable and verifiable.
Geotechnical expert and Managing Director of RFI Integrated Services, Mr. Femi Irewole, described subsurface investigation as the foundation of safe and sustainable infrastructure development.
He recommended the adoption of modern investigation techniques, including borehole drilling, geophysical surveys, groundwater monitoring, laboratory testing, Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and Cone Penetration Tests (CPT).
Irewole said applying these modern methods will provide engineers with accurate information needed for designing durable and resilient infrastructure across Lagos.
Participants also engaged in an interactive session where they discussed implementation strategies, regulatory collaboration and the responsibilities of various government institutions.
Stakeholders unanimously endorsed the initiative, describing it as a timely step toward strengthening governance within the georesources sector and improving infrastructure development across the state.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the Director of Administration and Human Resources, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the regulation.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises sustainable development, public safety and improved infrastructure across the state.
Officials expressed confidence that the regulation will raise professional standards, strengthen regulatory compliance and support the delivery of safer, more resilient infrastructure for Lagos residents.
