Lagos Tasks Bricklayers On Professionalism

The Lagos State government has called on bricklayers in the state to uphold professionalism and support efforts to curb building collapse.

The commissioner, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said this at the Lagos State Bricklayers Association Eko 0.4 Bricklayers Week 2025 and launching of a N500 million new secretariat at Epe, in Lagos.

The event had the theme, “Building Artisans Develop New Innovation in the Built Environment.”

Ajigbotafe, represented by the director of Entrepreneur Development in the ministry, Mrs Taiwo Ajose, urged members to hold their membership in high esteem.

He enjoined them to work closely with block makers and collaborate with other artisans in the built environment to improve the quality of construction across the state.

The commissioner also encouraged the bricklayers to take their registration with the government seriously and obtain their identity cards.

This, he said, would help to eliminate quacks in the industry.

He reminded them of their obligation to pay taxes, adding that the Sanwo-Olu administration has continued to support artisans through the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, which recently received land, a coaster bus and subvention from the state government.

The president of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr Oyebamiji Dauda, said his members are well-trained and always present certificates of competency before being engaged.

Dauda attributed building collapse to the patronage of unqualified workers, saying many people opt for cheap labour instead of hiring professionals.

He appealed to the government to award contracts to trained bricklayers rather than non-professionals, stressing that members pay both personal and company taxes and needed job opportunities to meet their responsibilities.

Speaking on the association’s ongoing projects, Dauda noted that he completed the secretariat at Akesan and had begun work on a new secretariat in Epe.

He appreciated the Dangote Group, other companies, and dignitaries for supporting the project.

He also commended the Federal Government and the Industrial Training Fund for upskilling programmes, but called for improved access to loans for members.

The Secretary of the Association, Mr Paul Atewolara, said the theme of this year’s event highlighted the need for continuous learning and improved techniques for better performance.

He stressed that bricklaying required knowledge and innovation.

On tackling quackery, Atewolara said there was a need for stronger collaboration with government agencies such as the Lagos State Building Control Agency to enforce regulations, and the formation of a regulatory body to identify and remove unqualified practitioners.

He added that the association was developing an online registration system to easily identify registered members.

He urged Nigerians to patronise local artisans rather than foreign workers.