The Lagos State Government has again warned that it will remove all buildings and structures built under high-tension power lines and other restricted zones, saying the encroachments endanger lives and damage public infrastructure.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Electronic Geographic Information System and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, issued the warning on Tuesday during an assessment tour of the Third Mainland Bridge corridor.
He was joined by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki; the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Oladimeji Animashaun; and senior officials from other agencies.
The inspection covered Oworonshoki, Adekunle and the Makoko area of Ebute-Meta, where the team found shanties and illegal structures sitting on the 50-metre setback meant to protect the bridge and high-tension lines.
Babatunde said the state would no longer allow people to live or run businesses beneath power lines or inside restricted areas. He noted that such actions put communities in danger.
He said the government would strengthen enforcement to ensure compliance with planning laws, protect infrastructure and improve public safety.
Oki, who spoke during the tour, said the government had held several meetings with residents of Makoko and nearby communities to warn them about the dangers of building under transmission cables and close to the Third Mainland Bridge.
He said, “As far back as February this year, we gave them 14 days to vacate the area, but as you can see, they refused. They are even extending towards the middle of the Third Mainland Bridge. We have warned them several times, the next step is to take the bull by the horn.”
Oki added that the state had made it clear during previous engagements that enforcement would begin without further notice after repeated warnings.
He said, “If any of those cables fall and anything happens, the blame will be on the government. The lives of the people are more important. They are also encroaching on the Third Mainland Bridge.”
Officials said the clearing exercise would continue as part of the state’s efforts to reduce environmental hazards and prevent avoidable disasters.
