The Lagos State Government has launched a crackdown on illegal shops constructed under high-tension power lines at Adamo Market in the Ikorodu area of the state.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed this on Thursday, the enforcement is in a bid to protect public safety and ensure compliance with environmental laws.
He emphasized that these structures, built directly under high-tension cables, not only violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, but also pose a grave threat to the safety of market traders and the surrounding community.
As a result of the violations, the government has also ordered the temporary closure of the market until further notice.
“This dangerous encroachment not only violates the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, but also poses a serious threat to human lives and infrastructure.
“Due to the scale of infractions discovered during our inspection, we have ordered the immediate closure of the market until further notice. Our goal is not just enforcement, but the protection of all residents,” Wahab said in a post on X.
The commissioner urged market leaders and traders throughout Lagos to avoid constructing illegal buildings and to strictly adhere to environmental guidelines.
“We urge market leaders and traders across Lagos to avoid illegal constructions and respect environmental guidelines. Safety and sustainability remain non-negotiable,” Wahab stated.
THE WHISTLER reports that in February, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) issued a seven-day ultimatum for the removal of illegal structures erected under high-tension power lines across the state.
The directive, effective from January 31, 2025, to mitigate the risks associated with such constructions, including electrocution, fire outbreaks, and other environmental hazards.
Tragedy occurred in the Festac area in May last year after lightning struck a shanty built under high-tension power lines, killing two women during rainfall.
They were electrocuted instantly, leading to their death.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said at the time that the women lived in the shanty.
