The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has 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, aims to mitigate the risks associated with such constructions, including electrocution, fire outbreaks, and other environmental hazards.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, emphasized that the order aligns with the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, which prohibits building structures within restricted zones, including power line corridors.
He warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would result in enforcement actions, which may include demolition and legal sanctions.
“High-tension power lines transmit electricity at extremely high voltages, and any structure within their designated clearance zone poses a serious threat to human lives,” Oki stated in a press release issued on Monday by LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa.
“Instances of electrocution, power surges leading to fire outbreaks, and infrastructural damages have been recorded due to non-compliance with safety regulations,” he added.
Beyond safety concerns, Oki noted that unauthorized structures under power lines disrupt urban planning and environmental sustainability. He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The enforcement of this directive aligns with the broader goal of building a safer and more resilient Lagos,” Oki stated.
He, therefore, urged all property owners, developers, and residents to comply with building regulations by voluntarily removing any structures that violate safety standards.
