The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a stern warning to residents of Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, to vacate structures built directly beneath high-tension power lines. This directive stems from the imminent dangers posed by these precarious living conditions, including the risks of electrocution, fire outbreaks, and structural collapse. The agency emphasizes that such structures not only violate existing physical planning regulations but also jeopardize the state’s broader objectives of urban safety and environmental sustainability. The precarious situation in Makoko, where high-voltage power lines crisscross directly over homes and businesses, has transformed the area into a high-risk zone, necessitating urgent action to prevent potential tragedies.
LASBCA has embarked on a proactive engagement strategy with the Makoko community, involving dialogues with traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents. This approach aims to raise awareness about the inherent dangers of living under high-tension lines and secure their cooperation in the relocation process. Documented evidence of these engagements, including video recordings of meetings, has been presented to the media to underscore the government’s commitment to transparency and community involvement. During these interactions, community leaders themselves acknowledged the pressing need for residents to relocate from the hazardous area, reinforcing the gravity of the situation. The paramount concern for the government remains the safety and well-being of its citizens, which supersedes any economic activities taking place in the affected area.
The government has emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that it cannot afford to wait for a potential tragedy to occur before taking decisive action. The lives of residents are considered paramount, outweighing any economic considerations that might arise from the relocation process. Furthermore, authorities have cautioned against politicizing the enforcement process, addressing concerns raised by some residents who believe that political interventions might halt the government’s actions. By presenting evidence of prior engagements and consultations with the community, LASBCA aims to preempt any accusations of abrupt or unilateral action when enforcement measures are implemented.
The government is urging media outlets to play a crucial role in sensitizing the public about the dangers of living under high-tension power lines. While acknowledging the existence of waterfront communities in other parts of the world, the government emphasizes that such settlements are typically developed in organized and safe environments, unlike the hazardous conditions prevalent in Makoko. The comparison highlights the need for improved urban planning and safety standards in the community. The state government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives, enhancing the environment, and enforcing urban planning laws, underscoring that the Makoko relocation initiative is part of a broader effort to improve living conditions and ensure the safety of all residents.
In an earlier effort to address building irregularities across the state, Lagos implemented a building permit amnesty program in 2024. This initiative provided an opportunity for owners of unapproved structures to regularize their documentation and obtain the necessary permits. A significant number of applications were received during the program, with a substantial portion resulting in the issuance of permits. This amnesty program demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing building irregularities while providing a pathway for property owners to comply with regulations.
Following the conclusion of the amnesty program, the government initiated a process of clearing unsafe structures across the state, starting with the Oworonshoki community. This action serves as a precursor to similar enforcement measures planned for Makoko, signaling the government’s resolve to prioritize safety and restore order in these areas. The clearance operations are integral to the government’s broader strategy of mitigating risks, improving urban planning, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. The combination of community engagement, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement actions underscores the government’s multi-faceted approach to addressing the complex challenges in Makoko.
