Gladness Gideon
The Lagos State Government has announced a new restriction on construction activities, limiting work on building sites to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance public safety, reduce the risk of building collapse, and promote environmental and social well-being.
The directive was made public on Thursday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, during a press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja.
Olumide emphasized that the restriction is mandatory for all developers and construction workers across the state. “The restriction order must be strictly adhered to by all those involved in building construction in the state, as relevant government agencies would enforce compliance,” he stated.
However, he noted that exceptions could be made for construction activities outside the approved hours if a formal request is submitted and approved on a case-by-case basis.
The state government is encouraging residents to report any construction site operating outside the stipulated hours. The enforcement measure follows a renewed focus on safety in the building industry, especially after a tragic building collapse in 2024 at Arowojobe Estate in the Maryland area, which claimed the lives of five workers.
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In the aftermath of that incident, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had banned workers from residing at construction sites and warned that night-time inspections would be carried out to ensure compliance.
Reinforcing the state’s position, the General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, warned that properties found in violation of the construction schedule risk being sealed indefinitely.
“Construction period in the state remains from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, excluding Sundays,” a statement by LASBCA read. “Henceforth, any property developer or owner who engages workers beyond the approved time or on Sundays will face serious sanctions.”
The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives of construction workers and residents, ensuring that buildings within the state are constructed under safe, controlled, and regulated conditions.