The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Architects has urged the state government to outsource regulatory activities domiciled within the relevant agencies of government to ensure efficient monitoring of the built environment.
The President of the Lagos State chapter of NIA, David Majekodunmi, stated this during a press conference held to herald this year’s Lagos Architect Conference.
Majekodunmi said, “One of the things we have been advocating for is to outsource monitoring of construction projects. We have 48,000 construction sites in Lagos. Does the government have up to 200 architects? No. Does the government have up to 200 engineers? No. So, it is high time they outsourced the monitoring and supervision of developments in Lagos State.”
Speaking further, the Lagos NIA president said this year’s LAF would address key issues facing Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city.
The event, which is scheduled to hold from May 3 to May 6, 2023 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition of cutting-edge designs, technologies, and materials.
According to Majekodunmi, this year’s theme, “Lagos: An Evolving Organism,” highlights the dynamic nature of Lagos as a rapidly growing and evolving city, with a diverse population, complex infrastructure, and a rich cultural heritage.
He added that the theme invites a conversation about how Lagos can evolve in a sustainable and equitable way that addresses the challenges facing the city, such as traffic congestion, inadequate housing, environmental degradation, and social inequality, while leveraging its strengths such as its vibrant culture, diverse economy, and entrepreneurial spirit.
He stated that the theme is a way to conceptualise the dynamic nature of Lagos as a living entity, a system that is constantly changing, adapting, and growing in response to internal and external factors. He added that the theme highlights the need for Lagos to be seen as an adaptable and resilient megacity, and the importance of designing and planning for the city’s ongoing evolution.
On his part, the Vice Chairman of the chapter, Biodun Fatunyi, stated the Lagos Architect Forum is an opportunity for architects, planners, and developers to engage with the public and policymakers on how to build a sustainable, equitable, and thriving city.
