The Nation Newspaper

Category: Building & Properties

  • LSTL 2011: Its positives, negatives

    An estate surveyor and valuer, Biodun Olapade, has described housing as a barometer to measure the living condition in a country. Besides, he is of the opinion that the huge housing deficit and the importance of housing, may have made many investors to include real estate investment in their portfolio or as preferred investment. This trend, he said, has made the private rental real estate investment the most popular in Nigeria.

    However, in order to safeguard the landlord-tenant relationship, Olapade said the government sometimes intervened through enactment of legislation to protect tenants from the arbitrary treatment from landlords and protect landlords’ investment in the property.

    This was the crux of his presentation last weekend, at the Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department (LASRETRAD) forum, which held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Lagos.

    At the forum, themed: “Effects of Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011 on Residential Real Estate Investment”, Olapade contended that the Lagos State Tenancy Law (LSTL) 2011, which came into force on August 24, 2011, was one of the efforts of government to protect tenants from the overbearing influence of landlords and at the same time protect the landlords’ investments.

    Seven years after the law, which was said to be very controversial at its enactment because of some of the provisions, it is pertinent to ask how the law had fared, especially considering its effect on property investment.

    According to Olapade, while the law restricted collection of more than a year rent in advance and subtly brought back rent control; it, however, removed many legal technicalities that prevented rapid recovery of premises. Therefore, he argued, in order for the law to have more positive effects on residential real estate investment, there are certain aspects of the law that need to be revisited.

    Firstly, he noted the provision on the collection of only a year rent in advance, which although appeared good, as it tended to remove untold hardship on the tenants. It is, however, not the case in many situations. There were many times when it was the tenant that proposed advance payment of rent above a year, if such tenant considered the accrued benefit of such payment. A total outlaw of advance rent payment above a year, he argued, would only deny the investor the benefits of collecting and paying of advance rent.

    In this regard, he said Section 4 of the Law needed to be revised to reflect a situation when the tenant and landlord agreed payment for more than a year. Under the provisions of this section, it is unlawful for payment and collection of  more than a year rent in advance from both the sitting and new tenant. Specifically, the section provides that rent payment should not be in excess of one year for a yearly tenant and six months for a monthly tenant in respect of any premises. The section further provides that any person, who receives or pays rent in excess of what is prescribed in the law shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N100, 000 or to three (3) months imprisonment.

    Another aspect of the tenancy law, which Olapade frowned at is Section 37, which allowed a tenant to declare an increase in rent unreasonable. For him, this section should be expunged because rents’ determination is a private agreement between the parties involved, and is usually arrived at after series of bargaining, considering the interplay of forces of demand and supply in property market. However, he further argued, if the Section would be retained, then the Court should rely on valuation opinion of the Estate Surveyor and Valuer to determine if the rent increase is unreasonable.

    Although part of the positive effects of the LSTL 2011 on real estate investment is the removal of technicalities plaguing prompt recovery of premises, yet stakeholders are of the opinion that it is still inadequate. They argued that needless time and resources are being wasted to recover property from an erring tenant.

    Therefore, practitioners in the industry are clamouring that there is need for regulation to speed up the premises or property recovery process. The non existence of clear, explicit rules to regulate recovery of premises under the law, Olapade said, has heightened the degree of discretion by magistrates and judges, thereby causing so much delay in the disposal of recovery of premises. Although Section 46 of the LSTL provides that the Chief Judge may, as required, make regulations for the procedure through which matters relating to the conduct of proceedings shall be carried out, he advocated that such regulations should include time-limit for the disposal of tenancy cases.

    Again, he explained, all forms of technicalities that may inhibit easy disposition of cases relating to property recovery should be eliminated in the regulation. Besides, since the legislation allows the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for resolving landlord tenant disputes, the real estate practitioners should be encouraged to explore this option for prompt recovery of premises.

    “Tenancy matter is an issue that cuts across every sector of the society. Accordingly, tenancy law must be able to reflect the aspirations of the various groups in the society,” Olapade submitted.

    The Estate Surveyor and Valuer in conclusion, said the government, which legislates on tenancy matters that have direct bearing on attractions of property investment, should as a matter of urgency, increase the housing stocks, especially affordable accommodation for the teeming masses in the low class. “This translates that there is an urgent need to continually bridge the gap between private developers’ supply of residential houses with continuous supply by the public sector. It is the only way that the effects of Agency like Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department can be effective,” he said.

    He continued: “Government has not given us anything in housing. Even the houses government is selling to the public is not affordable. With availability of stock of residential properties developed by the government in regulated and controlled districts within the jurisdictions of every local government and local council development area, then a proper stock of available houses can be searched online while the rent payable can be controlled or regulated with effective and clear tenancy law as well.“ He added that through this, the activities of real estate practitioners will also be controlled effectively by an Agency such as LASRETRAD through a centralised data base.

    Earlier, Commissioner for Housing, Gbolahan Lawal, said government’s enactment of LSTL 2011 has brought relief to the people of the state. He said from the feedback from the public, it is obvious that the law is having a positive effect on the real estate sector, such that landlords and tenants conflicts have been drastically reduced.

  • Governments advised to accelerate access to water, sanitation security for Africa

    Water experts, policy makers, government representatives, United Nations’ agencies, donors and non-governmental organisations (NGO) kicked off the celebration of the seventh edition of the Africa Water Week in Libreville, Gabon on Monday, October 29, 2018, calling on African governments to reflect on achievements made towards providing clean water and sanitation services.

    The week-long event is convened by the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) in collaboration with UKaid supported project for unlocking the potential of Ground Water for the Poor (UpGro), USAID, Africa Development Bank (AfDB), the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the International Water Management Institute.

    According to Prof Makame Mbarawa, the AMCOW President and the Minister for Water and Irrigation for Tanzania, the event is a call to action and positions Africa to creatively think, act and win.

    “This is an opportunity to share lessons and good practices in water security management, to share lessons and good practices on enhancing water and sanitation resilience to climate change,” he said in a statement.

    One of the objectives is also to create an opportunity to contribute to developing strategies on raising adequate and sustainable financing of water and sanitation agendas.

    The 7th Africa Water Week brings together over 1,000 participants from governments, regional institutions, international partners, the private sector, the scientific community, civil society, and the media, particularly from Africa

    Gabonese Minister for Water and Energy, Patrick Eyogo Edzang, lauded Prof Mbarawa’s statement, saying that accomplishing water security is imperative to safeguarding sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water to maintaining livelihoods, human wellbeing, and socio-economic development.

    The Africa Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, Sacko Eyogo Leonel Correa, urged all African governments to include more water sanitation and hygiene projects in their National Determined Contributions (NDC) to unlock more climate-related financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, AfDB Climate related Funds, and a host of other sources of funding.

    Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) is a term used under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that all countries that signed the UNFCCC were asked to publish in the lead-up to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. Once the agreement is ratified, the INDCs automatically changes to NDCs.

    “I also want to congratulate AMCOW on the launch of the 2018-2010 strategy and, therefore, I call upon our ministers to take action, and they should not keep this important document on their shelves,” said Correa, calling on development partners to help in implementation of the tool.

  • LASBCA warns property owners on structural integrity

    The Lagos State government through its agency, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has reiterated  commitment to zero tolerance to distressed and prone to collapse buildings in the state.

    At a building engineering appraisal exercise in Ajangbadi, Lagos, at the weekend, its General Manager,  Olalekan Shodeinde, an engineer, observed that some buildings in the area were distressed and proned to collapse at any time, hence the need for evacuation of the building for the safety of all residents.

    To lay credence to the agency’s proactive disposition, Shodeinde said a distressed and proned to collapse building situated on Teslim Street, off Aka road Ajangbadi, in Ojo area of Lagos, was identified by the agency.

    He, however, regreted that despite several statutory seal up and removal notices served by the agency on the building’s owner and occupants since August, 2017, the landlord has refused to comply. Shodeinde said some distressed buildings have been identified and marked by the agency in some areas within the Lagos metropolis, while all residents in those buildings have been evacuated by the agency to avert any loss of lives and properties.

    Consequently, Baale of Ajangbadi, Chief Murisiku Teslim, during a LASBCA sensitisation exercise, said all efforts are being put in place to ensure that the building owners comply with the state government directive.

    Shodeinde added that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration is aimed at achieving zero tolerance to building collapse incidences. This, he further revealed, was why the agency served notices to owners of the distressed buildings to demolish their buildings or risk being demolished by the Agency at a cost the owners will bear in accordance with the Lagos State Physical and Urban Planning Development Law 2010.

    He emphasised that no responsible government will watch its citizen die avoidable and careless death without taking precautionary measures to stop it.

  • Guinness, Water Aid undertake ‘Water of Life’ project in Kebbi

    Guinness Nigeria Plc has entered into partnership with WaterAid to ensure sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene, while helping people to improve their health and well-being.

    The partnership, which has the Guinness Nigeria’s “Water of Life” programme and WaterAid Nigeria working with Kebbi State government through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Kebbi RUWASSA), with the technical support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in implementing a sustainable water project to contribute to building thriving communities in the state, is aimed at providing inclusive access to clean water to an estimated 2,500 people in D’kwa village, Danko/Wasugu LGA in Kebbi. It is to strengthen the community management structures’ capacity to support sustained operations of the water facility model.

    The water facility is expected to alleviate water challenges faced by D’kwa community, which is largely a farming community where many households rely on unsafe shallow wells and other unimproved surface sources for their supply of drinking water.

    During the dry season from November to January, residents usually have to walk for two to three kilometres to get water from a stream. This scarcity, according to WaterAid, disproportionately affects women and girls, putting them at greater physical risk, as many households rely on them to fetch water from these distances in areas  prone to sand storms.

    Speaking on the project, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mrs. Viola Graham-Douglas, said: “The Guinness Nigeria ‘Water of Life’ programme is aimed at providing access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene in order to reduce poverty, promote better health, wellbeing, gender equality and empower women and girls. We’re working with key partners to shine a light on these issues and find lasting solutions, one community at a time.

    “This project is also expected to support local development as the financial model to manage the water point will also help small businesses to thrive and make local financing fund pool available to support larger community development initiatives. This supports Guinness Nigeria’s focus on supporting local livelihoods and prosperous rural economies.”

    According to WaterAid, overall, access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services has remained low in Nigeria. A UNICEF/WHO Joint Monitoring Programme, said about 60 million people out of about 190million population still lack access to clean water, while only 33 per cent has access to basic sanitation. This means approximately, about 120 million people in Nigeria do not have access to toilet facilities.

    WaterAid Nigeria Country Director, Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, said: “Water, sanitation and hygiene remained some of the most neglected issues in our country today. At WaterAid, our work is all about transforming lives by improving access to these life-saving services for the poorest and most marginalised in our society.

  • Firm holds Home, Property Festival

    A real estate and property technology company, PropertyPro.ng, has concluded plans to stage the 2018 edition of the Lagos Home and Property Festival on December 8 and 9, at the Muri-Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The event is the third edition of the largest trade show in Africa to provide Homes & Properties solutions in Nigeria. The first two editions held on the Mainland and Victoria Island.

    The Chief Executive Officer of PropertyPro.ng, Fikayo Ogundipe, announced this at a press conference during the week at Maison Fahrenheit Hotel, Lagos.

    He said the festival is the B2B & B2C platform for real estate developers, manufacturers & distributors of home furniture, home fittings, building materials and home appliances to meet with over 5,000 home buyers, real estate investors, high net-worth individuals, real estate agents and individuals in need of new options for lands, homes, home fittings, building materials, home electronics and gadgets.

    He added that the festival is structured to accommodate audiences from the two major regional locations in Lagos (the mainland and the island), while specifically selecting the ideal venue to accommodate all the participants at the event.

    Ogundipe noted that the venue which has a capacity to host over 100 exhibitors, guru sessions and VIP lounges; ensures that the need to showcase the availability of high quality, genuine real estate developments, as well home fittings, home essentials and building materials to the large population of Lagosians is met.

    He stated further that the event is structured to deliver three major highlights to meet the large population of buyers and participants.

    He said that there will be VIP Lounges that will cater for relaxation and VIP Experiences. Guru sessions- These are classes and presentations are divided into segments- Culinary Sessions, How to make money in Real Estate, D-I-Y Furniture Making and How to grow your business.

    He continued: online expo will provided an opportunity for exhibitors and sponsors to showcase their top five best product deals and for attendees to in turn grab deals ranging from deals in estates, lands, home furniture & fittings, home appliances, building materials, home automation and gadgets.

  • WHD: Okafor, Wada, others to be honoured

    In commemoration of this year’s United Nation’s World Habitat Day (WHD), Managing Director of Marcopolo Group of Companies, Chief Emmanuel Frank Okafor;  wife of former governor of Kogi State, Mrs. Ijeoma Wada and Chief Executive Officer of Bstan Homes, Engr. Becky Damilola Oke, are among personalities to be honoured at the 5th Annual World Habitat Leadership Summit and International Honours.

    The summit, whose theme is “Effective Leadership -Its role in ensuring a Sustainable Habitat”, is  scheduled to hold on October 27 at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, the nation’s capital. Their selection was in view of their commitments to community projects and developments, which include human capital development and youth employment.

    Speaking to newsmen ahead the summit, the spokesperson of the summit organisers, World Habitat Ambassadors Foundation (WHAF), Principal Consultant, Global Peace Ambassador Hillary Emoh, said the selection of Wada was as a result of her relentless drive to empowering the rural woman and consistency in community development projects over the years. He described her as an agent of transformation and development, who has done commendably well for Nigeria.

    Emoh also said the nomination of Oke is long overdue as she is one of the few exceptional women who have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria and indeed a nation builder.

    Other personalities to be honoured include, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Prince Matthew Kolawole, Professor James Adams and Mr Enobong Emmanuel Abang.

  • Affordable housing: The way out

    As the continent’s largest economy, international development experts, innovators and funders believe Nigeria is better positioned to provide a market-driven solution to one of the continent’s most significant challenges – affordable housing. Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE writes

    Executive Director, Policy and Strategy, Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC), Dr. Chii Akporji, has  listed some of the challenges militating against the robust growth of the housing sector in Nigeria to include: a challenging macroeconomic environment with high-interest rates and inflation; cumbersome land titling and property registration procedures; lack of a foreclosure mechanism and a dearth of long-term finance for mortgage origination business.

    Other factors, according to him, are a dearth of affordable housing stock and poor mortgage literacy levels.

    As a key player in the sector, the NMRC, according to him, is driving several ongoing efforts to de-risk the sector, in collaboration with some housing sector stakeholders, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), state governments, Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN), the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Family Homes Fund (FHF) and major developers.

    He said: “The NMRC is a private sector-driven mortgage refinance company with the public purpose of developing the primary and secondary mortgage markets, through raising long-term funds from the capital market, and leverage this to refinance qualifying mortgage portfolios of mortgage lending institutions, thereby promoting affordable home ownership through mortgages.”

    While affordable home ownership enabled through cost-effective and accessible mortgages are long-term objectives of the NMRC, Akporji believes that their work is beginning to gain traction by utilising platforms for dialogues such as the forthcoming West Africa Property Investment Summit (WAPI).

    “WAPI is a convening platform for all stakeholders along the housing value chain, on a sub-regional level. By virtue of its reach, it remains the go to event for networking and knowledge sharing on trends and development in the real estate and construction industry on the continent,”she added

    Arguably one of the most strident and recognisable voices in her field, Akporji confirmed that she would be joined by NMRC’s new Managing Director/Chief Executive, Kehinde Ogundimu, who will also be participating in panel sessions that revolve around affordable housing and financing during the two-day, 500 people gathering.

    Also joining Akporji on the top-level session to explore one of the most complex tasks that have bedevilled policymakers, will be international speakers such as Feyi Borrofice from the World Bank Group, United States, and the International Finance Corporation’s Ifeoma Ezeokafor. Forming a stellar panel, the three will discuss how best to mobilise private and public-sector institutional development financing for affordable housing.

    While the topic is complex and layered, Akporji believed that the solutions can be addressed if “we distinguish between private and the public-sector focuses and challenges”.

    She added  that for the private sector, “the focus obviously will be on the bottom line, but there could be a win-win partnership solution, especially with the leveraging of alternative building technologies and green construction methods to not only deliver affordable housing at scale, but also positively impact the bottom line”.

    Akporji pointed to the ongoing reforms and evolution of the roles of both the public and private sector along the housing value chain, which the NMRC, working with its partners is helping to achieve.

    On land reforms she said: “State government partners are beginning to review their existing land and titling processes since they recognise its criticality to attracting investment in housing in the state and the importance of housing not only to citizens well-being, but also for augmenting internally generated revenues. The NMRC has signed MOUs with a number of these states for the adoption and passage of a draft Model Mortgage and Foreclosure Law.”

    On the readiness of the states, she stated that Kaduna State is the first state to pass the NMRC law and is already reaping the benefits, which include increased investment in the sector, enhanced ranking on the ease of doing business index, a reduced mortgage interest rate deal with a lending bank and mobilisation of development finance.

    She further noted that Lagos State has amended an existing law alongside the MMFL, following signing of an MOU with NMRC and remains the national leader in robust hosing policy, innovation and investment while other states are in the process of doing same.

    To the host of WAPI, Kfir Rusin, providing such a high-level focus on affordable housing is a recognition of the value of cracking the affordable housing code.  He said: “Africa’s future is urban. A recent World Bank report predicts that more than 1 billion Africans will live in cities by 2050; making it home to eight of the world’s fastest growing metropolises. Lagos, as one of the fastest growing of all, is set to double in size from 21 million to more than 40 million. In such a rapidly urbanising environment, we believe that aiding private and public-sector stakeholders in cracking the affordable housing code is a social imperative and arguably real estate’s biggest opportunity.”

  • NCF calls for enforcement of sanitation laws

    The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for the enforcement of sanitation laws in Lagos State to serve as a deterrent to abuses on the environment.

    President, NCF Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Philip Asiodu, made the call at the “2018 Walk for Nature”, an annual initiative aimed at raising environmental education in Nigeria. It was organised by NCF and the Lagos State Government.

    Asiodu, who lauded the 11th edition of the programme, called for its continuity and sustainability as well as enforcement of sanitation laws to save the environment.

    He said sanitary inspectors in the past enforced sanitation laws, which put people in check and curbed pollution because of adherence to the rules of hygiene.

    “In colonial days, we had them as sanitary inspectors called `Wole Wole’ and they can enter your house anytime,” he said.

    He said pollution had become a major menace in most cities of the world, adding that Lagos had more than 18 million people, which was more populous than other cities in Africa

    Asiodu called for change in lifestyle and consumption pattern which favour recycling and promotion of the refusal of plastics, their reuse and up cycling to save the environment.

    “We must continue to sensitise the public on the need to discourage single use of plastic. It is not bad if we return to the days where you are not allowed to eat and drink in public so that we can reduce plastic waste,” he said.

    He said millions of non-biodegradable materials were being disposed wrongly and go into the ocean, adding that it was a self-destructive looming disaster against the whole of humanity.

    The BOT president said the NCF had begun recycling programmes in 17 communities in Eti-Osa Local Government Area where residents earned money for their participation.

    He advised the state government to attach incentives to waste recycling to encourage participation and called for an embrace of up-cycling, which allows the use of old materials to reduce plastic pollution.

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for The Environment, Mr Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, said pollution affected all aspects of human existence hence, the need to shift consumption pattern to environment-friendly methods.

    “To achieve this, both the government and the citizenry must work together to enforce policies that will prevent people from embarking on human activities that will have negative impact on our environment and by implication our society.

    “Our administration’s focus is on sustainable development, and we will not hesitate to review the state environmental policy where necessary to ensure a cleaner and healthier society,”he said.

    “It is on this basis that we have premised the concerted efforts of the state government at aggressive greening and landscaping through the redevelopment of abandoned areas, roads, setbacks and verges in the state to provide scenic gardens and conservation parks for the benefit of the over 23 million citizens of Lagos State,’’ he said.

  • Group warns against continued use of ‘Music House’

    The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Oyo State Chapter, has warned concerned authorities against the continued usage of the partially demolished Yinka Ayefele Music House in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    The guild noted that the demolition has significant implications on the safety of the structural integrity of the building as well as that of the occupants and the environment.

    In a statement signed by Mr. Oye Sobowale, and Kunle Olaoye, Chairperson and Secretary of BCPG Oyo State Chapter respectively, the body regretted that in spite of the inherent dangers of insidious structural defects and progressive deterioration, which may culminate in total failure, the building was still being inhabited and utilised in its present condition, thereby constituting a clear and present danger to all concerned.

    The continued usage of the structure in its present state and in the absence of appropriate checks and measures to give it a clean bill of structural health, the BCPG statement further viewed it as unhealthy and unethical in these times.

    “It is expected that, in line with International Best Practice, immediate and appropriate Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and other measures would be carried out following this action, to avert any collateral untoward development,” the statement read.

    Therefore, the BCPG argued that in order to mitigate any undesirable scenario, the Guild, as a body of concerned stakeholders in the building industry, recommended that the usage of the partly demolished building for whatever function be discontinued with immediate evacuation of all and sundry from the building.

    The BCPG further recommended that appropriate approvals be secured for a comprehensive structural integrity test on the existing structure and its elements by qualified personnel to ascertain its current status as well as give recommendations for proper and effective renovation works.

    Other recommendations put forward by the body to forestall any disaster include carrying out of appropriate tests on all existing electrical, telecommunications and ICT cables to ascertain current status as well as give recommendations for proper and effective renovation works; an immediate comprehensive Environmental Impact Audit (EIA) on the building together with required Health, Safety and Environment Audits; and that following from above, comprehensive rehabilitation works be undertaken to restore the building and after, which ‘as-rebuilt’ drawings (Architectural and Structural) be prepared for documentation and appropriate records.

    The BCPG state that “without prejudice to the important nature and wide public acceptance of activities carried out in the building, as well as the prerogative of maintaining the business as a going concern, it is of utmost importance to put in place the above to protect lives and properties. A stich in time saves all, they say. So, let us put safety first”.

  • Building capacities of artisans, tradesmen

    Artisans and tradesmen are some of the largest employment generators in Lagos. The state is retraining them to meet the challenge of a growing economy, DANIEL ESSIET  reports.

    SOME tradesmen and artisans – metal fitters and machinists, carpenters, motor mechanics, plumbers and others – are in high demand. But there is a shortage of qualified tradies as they are called. They are a vital arm of the economy, especially the construction industry.

    To provide a qualified and trained workforce  for its economic growth, Lagos State has intensified the training of artisans and tradesmen. The training is also aimed at building their capacities to enable the state to develop world-class artisans well equipped and skilled to face global competition.

    At the ninth edition of Tradesmen and Artisans’ Week and graduation for re-trained artisans with the theme: “Growing Capacity for a Dynamic Economy: The Artisans Perspective.” Lagos State Governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode said for the economy to grow, the capacity of tradesmen must be strengthened.

    ”It is generally accepted today that the advancement of a nation from poverty is not a technical process, but rather a transformation process. At the centre of this transformational process are two driving forces: emotion and enlightenment. These factors are essential in determining the economic growth and development of a nation. And these factors come to play in the quest for success of our tradesmen and artisans.

    ”Our government will continue to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to design and execute programs to enhance the productivity of Tradesmen and Artisans,” the Governor said.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, said: “You can, therefore, rest assured of the continued sustenance of this programme by an All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled government in Lagos State. We thank all organisations and individuals from the organised private sector that have joined hands with us in our determination to improve the competence and socio-economic condition of our artisans.

    “Our government will continue to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to design and executive programmes, to enhance the productivity of tradesmen because, growing the capacity of tradesmen and artisans remain a key component that we cannot afford to ignore,” Ambode added.

    According to him, retraining provides income-earning opportunities to Nigerians, teaching and helping them to launch sustainable businesses of their own, and connect them to global markets.

    He said the state has forged a unique partnership with artisans and tradesmen, enabling them tap into a growing services market.

    In the last three years, the government through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has shown unwavering commitment to tradesmen and artisans, and in addition to providing a platform for individuals and groups to contribute their quota to developing the state.

    “In line with our policy of inclusion, we have committed to invest heavily on the programme that has benefited individuals and groups, particularly under the state Employment Trust Fund. Through these programmes, we have succeeded in giving a higher sense of belonging to artisans and Tradesmen in Lagos State. Our Artisans have now stepped up and are updating thier skills to meet up with global standards and changing expectations,” Ambode explained.

    Ambode assured people of the state that the next All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor will sustain his programmes and policies in the state.  One of the most significant initiatives is the online artisans’ market place, a government-wide initiative, which utilises technology to showcase tradesmen’s services to all citizens in an efficient and cost effective manner. Ambode said the online market place was one of the ways to leverage internet access as a way to increase artisans’ availability to markets with improved visibility and discoverability of their products.

    Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf said the state would continue to promote and sustain entrepreneurship and employment through effective use of wealth creation strategies and resources by collaborating with all stakeholders.

    The Commissioner said the Tradesmen and Artisans week, which was the third edition of the programme under the current administration, recognised the contributions of the informal sector to the development of the economy.

    On the online portal, the Commissioner said it was designed to cater to all artisans regardless of their educational background.

    The commissioner said the portal will ensure that certified artisans have the opportunity of showcasing their products and services to the world. She also said the second edition of artisans and tradesmen compendium has been produced for sale at the ministry

    Other achievements, according to the Commissioner, include the release of the annual N12million subvention to the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, the training of 1,500 artisans by Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) under the Lagos State Tradesmen and Artisans Empowerment Programme (LASTAEP). A significant number of tradesmen and artisans, accorduing to the commissioner, were able to access the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) loans.

    Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans LASCOTA president, Mr Nurudeen Buhari, expressed delight for government’s support to the association in the last three years.

    He lauded  the Governor for fulfilling his promise on the credit facility scheme granted to his members through the state Employment Trust Fund.

    Buhari urged the government to provide a befitting secretariat for the council and employment for graduates, qualified for various openings.

    He also said the government should patronise products and brands for the government projects which are civil work, paintings, granite supply and sewing of the government uniforms.

    The graduation is held annually after the tradesmen must have undergone eight weeks capacity training. Awards were presented to the Best managed zonal body association; Alimosho Construction Workers, Most socially responsible; Lagos State Tie and Dye Association; Best managed state body association; Lagos State Tailor and Fashion Designer Association of Nigeria; Leadership Award (female category), Mrs Idayat Lawal; Leadership award (male category), Arch.C.A .Olowe and Life achievement award to the former President LASCOTA, High Chief Bola Sanusi. One of the graduating trainees, Mrs Folasade Idowu, urged the government to sustain the training of tradesmen and artisans in the state.