The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has urged residents of the Makoko community to vacate buildings located directly beneath high-tension power lines, citing serious safety risks.
LASBCA issued the warning due to the dangers of electrocution, fire outbreaks, and structural hazards associated with living under power lines.
Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, made the announcement during a press briefing on Tuesday in Lagos, following recent enforcement actions.
Oki explained that structures built beneath high-tension cables violate physical planning laws and compromise the state’s broader goals for urban safety and environmental sustainability.
“Makoko has become a high-risk zone because power lines run directly over homes and businesses. These high-tension cables carry electricity at dangerously high voltages and pose a serious threat to human life,” he stated.
He added that LASBCA has been engaging key stakeholders — including traditional rulers and community leaders — to raise awareness about the dangers and seek their cooperation.
A video from one of the meetings was presented to journalists, where community leaders reportedly acknowledged the urgent need for residents to relocate.
“The government cannot afford to wait for a disaster to happen. Protecting lives must take precedence over economic activities. People need to move away from these danger zones,” Oki emphasized.
