Engr. Dr. Abiola Kosegbe’s illustrious career in civil engineering and public service reflects a blend of professional excellence and dedicated leadership. Her journey began in the UK with Taylor Woodrow Construction in 1989 and Gadmon Building Construction. Upon returning to Nigeria in 1996, she joined the Lagos State Government’s Ministry of Transportation, marking the start of her significant contributions to the public sector.
In 1999, Kosegbe’s career took a pivotal turn when she was deployed to the Ministry of the Environment. Here, she delved into Environmental Engineering, serving in the Drainage Department and later leading one of the Waste Monitoring Teams in Lagos. Her role expanded to overseeing the rehabilitation and construction of dumpsites, showcasing her capability in managing large-scale environmental projects. Her tenure at the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) as Head of Projects earned her numerous accolades, including the Lagos State Order of Merit Award in 2012, Best Management Staff in 2011, and the APWEN Emerging Leader Award in 2010.
Kosegbe’s expertise continued to shine in the Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, where she was deeply involved in project monitoring, evaluation, and training from 2015. Her roles included serving on the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Lagos State Science Policy Review, the Advisory Committee of the Lagos State Safety Commission, and representing the Ministry at the Lagos Global Office for Public-Private Partnership proposals. She also co-chaired the development of the Standard Operating Manual (SOP) for various state projects, further cementing her impact on infrastructure development.
In August 2019, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu appointed Kosegbe as the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), where she administered building control across Lagos. Her leadership qualities led to her appointment as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in February 2021. By November 2022, she transitioned to her current role as the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission.
Engr. Dr. Kosegbe is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and a certified practicing engineer by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Her involvement with professional bodies includes serving as Assistant Secretary, General Secretary, and Vice Chairman of the NSE Ikeja branch, and holding key positions in the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) and the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE). Additionally, she is the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja, Alausa Golden.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kosegbe’s personal life is marked by her commitment to family. Married with children, she balances her demanding career with her role as a mother, demonstrating the strength and versatility of her character. Engr. Dr. Abiola Kosegbe’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to engineering excellence and public service, making her a role model for future generations.
Engr. Dr. Abiola Kosegbe has been a driving force behind numerous innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing building control and public engagement. As the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), she has implemented several measures to improve transparency, efficiency, and safety in the construction industry. One of her key initiatives is the introduction of lively social media handles for LASBCA, designed to increase public feedback and engagement. This move has significantly improved communication between the agency and the public, ensuring that concerns and suggestions are promptly addressed.
Kosegbe also launched the Building Control Pack, which includes the LASBCA Green Check Sticker and a site logbook. This pack is essential for ensuring that construction sites adhere to regulatory standards, enhancing accountability and safety. To further streamline operations, she mandated the use of a site instruction booklet by LASBCA building inspectors. This booklet ensures that all instructions and observations are systematically recorded, facilitating better oversight and compliance.
