In a decisive move toward international recognition, the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has officially signed its Laboratory Quality Policy Statement, reinforcing its commitment to achieving the prestigious ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation.
The signing ceremony, which took place on Thursday at the Agency’s headquarters in Ojodu-Berger, was attended by all personnel and marks a pivotal moment in LSMTL’s accreditation journey.
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In her remarks, the General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, emphasized the transformative potential of the accreditation drive. She revealed that feedback from clients and industry partners indicates the Agency’s activities are already impressing stakeholders and are on par with international best practices.
“Stakeholders and members of the public have continued to commend our operations,” Engr. Abdul stated. “The feedback we receive confirms that our activities are impressive and align with global standards in materials testing.”
Following the policy signing, every member of the Agency appended their signature to a Code of Conduct, signaling a unified dedication to ethical practice and operational excellence.
Policy Framework: The Pillars of Quality
The Laboratory Quality Policy Statement, signed by Engr. Abdul, outlines a comprehensive framework for achieving and sustaining global standards. It is structured across several critical stages, beginning with a firm commitment to impartiality and integrity. The policy declares that all testing and calibration activities shall be conducted free from commercial, financial, or other pressures that could compromise technical judgment.
Commitment to Technical Excellence
The policy reinforces the Agency’s dedication to operating in full conformity with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. This serves as the technical backbone of the Quality System, requiring that all management and technical requirements—from method validation to equipment calibration—meet internationally accepted benchmarks.
Prioritizing Clients and Confidentiality
Explaining the importance of this approach, the General Manager noted that the policy emphasizes the Agency’s responsibility to meet and exceed customer expectations. It mandates that all personnel prioritize clients’ requirements while strictly maintaining confidentiality to ensure test results delivered to both government and private sector clients are timely and reliable.
Investing in Human Capital
“A critical aspect of the policy addresses human capital development,” Engr. Abdul informed. “It commits the Agency to ensuring that all staff members possess the necessary skills, training, and awareness to perform their duties competently. This stage aligns with the recent signing of the Code of Conduct, reinforcing that every individual’s contribution is vital to the quality chain. ”
The process is also targeted at fostering a culture of perpetual enhancement, requiring regular internal audits, management reviews, and corrective actions to keep the Quality Management System dynamic and responsive.
A Collective Endeavor Towards Accreditation
Engr. Abdul expressed profound gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his visionary leadership. “His Excellency has provided the enabling environment for us to aspire to global standards,” she said.
Providing insights into the technical groundwork, the Director, Laboratory Services Department, Engr. Wale Akinsanya, revealed that various teams have been strategically formed to drive the accreditation process.
“The accreditation team has been mandated to audit all procedures rigorously,” Engr. Akinsanya explained. “We are ensuring that every process, from sample collection to results reporting, aligns with ISO 17025:2017 requirements. This internal auditing will make the assessment by the visiting team seamless and successful. “
He added that the policy also commits the Agency to full compliance with all applicable laws and statutory provisions, affirming its role as a responsible public institution. Akinsanya further enjoined all staff to embrace team spirit, emphasizing that accreditation is not the responsibility of a select few, but a collective endeavor.
The Road Ahead: Global Recognition in Sight
With the Quality Policy now formally adopted and the Code of Conduct universally signed, the Agency will proceed with implementation across all laboratory operations. The coming months will see intensified internal audits, method validation exercises, and staff training sessions in preparation for the external assessment by accreditation bodies.
Achieving ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation will position LSMTL as a globally recognized centre for materials testing, enhancing confidence in Lagos State’s infrastructure projects and opening new opportunities for international collaboration.
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