The Lagos State government has advised residents of the Makoko community to move out of homes located under high-voltage power lines.
The advice comes from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) due to the serious risks of electric shocks, fires, and structural issues that these situations pose.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, spoke to reporters in Lagos about the need for this action.
He emphasized that having buildings under power lines goes against planning laws and undermines efforts to create a safer and more sustainable urban environment.
According to him, Makoko, like other areas, has become a dangerous place because of overhead electricity cables that run close to homes and businesses.
He said to address the risks, the agency has been in discussions with community leaders, including traditional chiefs, to raise awareness about the dangers of living near these high-tension lines.
Oki explained that the power lines carry electricity at very high levels, which poses a significant threat to people’s safety.
During this meeting, a video was shown to journalists, highlighting the discussions with community leaders, who all agreed that residents should leave areas beneath the power lines.
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Oki noted that the state government needs to act before a disaster happens, stressing that protecting people’s lives is more important than any economic activities in the area.
He also mentioned that despite several talks, some residents are hesitant to comply, fearing political interference in enforcement actions.
Oki reminded everyone that the state government is actively engaging with the community to ensure they understand the situation before taking any further steps.
He called on the media to help spread the message, highlighting that in other countries, people live in organized communities without being under power lines.
Oki reassured that the state government is dedicated to ensuring safety, improving the living environment, and maintaining order in urban areas.
Additionally, he said the state government had previously launched a building permit amnesty program in 2024, allowing owners of unapproved buildings to regularize their structures.
This initiative, which ran from May to December 2024, led to nearly 19,000 applications, with more than 8,800 permits issued.
Following this program, the state government has started removing unsafe structures, beginning with Oworonshoki, an indication that Makoko will also face similar measures to safeguard residents and restore order.
