The Lagos State Government has officially inaugurated the Lagos State Building Insurance Scheme (LAGBIS), a mandatory initiative designed to improve building safety and protect residents. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking through Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Egube, emphasized that true progress requires both development and a commitment to public safety.
Highlighting the urgency of the move, the governor noted that Lagos recorded 171 building collapses between 2011 and early 2025. In the first half of 2025 alone, six collapses resulted in 14 fatalities. These incidents have caused immense financial loss, emotional distress, and a decline in public trust. By prioritizing this scheme, the government aims to ensure that growth remains sustainable and that structures are built to protect their occupants.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has already taken proactive steps by identifying over 27,000 distressed buildings and dismantling 349 hazardous structures. Under the new policy, LAGBIS will utilize a technology-driven framework to mandate insurance coverage for eligible properties. This system will be integrated with the state’s digital planning permit processes to streamline compliance and transparency.
Florence Gbaye, General Manager of LASBCA, described the program as a shift toward a more resilient environment. She encouraged property owners and developers to view the mandatory insurance not merely as a regulatory burden, but as a standard practice for responsible ownership. The government intends to work closely with licensed insurance firms to ensure that this initiative strengthens the state’s economic resilience and lowers the impact of future disasters.
