Ambode to introduce compulsory insurance policy for all buildings in Lagos

INDICATIONS have emerged that Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, will soon introduce compulsory insurance scheme for all buildings in the state.

Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Hakeem Dickson, gave the hint on Monday at a media briefing on the activities of the commission.

He said as part of preparations towards the commencement of the policy implementation, the state government, in synergy with consortium of insurance companies and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), was already working out ways of enforcing the policy.

According to him, the measure is in line with the Lagos State Government Safety Law 2003, saying the law would be applicable to both owners of completed and uncompleted buildings in the state.

Penalties for defaulters, according to him, attracts N100, 000, fine or one year imprisonment, or both on conviction.

Dickson stated that the aim of the insurance policy was all about safety of lives and property in the state, adding that the grassroots was not left out in the drive to bring safety to all nooks and crannies of the state.

“That is why we have a department in the commission that takes care of this. There is the need to check the incessant building collapse and attendant loss of lives in the state, due mostly, to negligence and lack of compliance to safety measures.

“The state government through the commission in order to ensure that all buildings are insured, is about to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with representatives of NAICOM, this Wednesday.

“The commission has also been reorganized and staff reassigned to ensure innovative approach and better delivery of service to the public.

“The commission will continue to strengthen its collaborations with other government agencies, while private organizations have and will continue to play major part, to ensure compliance to safety regulations,” he said.

Dickson added that the commission would be establishing a Safety Institute where stakeholders can be trained and certified.

“Identification has been an issue and the commission intends to address this by equipping staff, safety consultants, agents and vendors with secure IDs.

“We have also engaged consultants who are qualified in different domains to assists in ensuring that all organizations conform to lay down safety laws, regulations and measures in their daily business,” Dickson said.