The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to demolish all buildings and shanties illegally erected beneath high-tension power lines, warning that such encroachments pose grave dangers to lives and property.
The warning came during an inspection tour of the Third Mainland Bridge corridor led by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Electronic Geographic Information System (EGIS) and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde. He was joined by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki; General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Oladimeji Animashaun; and senior officials from other relevant agencies.
The assessment covered the stretch from Oworonshoki to Adekunle and the Makoko area of Ebute-Meta, where several shanties and illegal structures were found encroaching on the legally mandated 50-metre right-of-way and extending dangerously close to the Third Mainland Bridge.
Babatunde stressed that Lagos would no longer tolerate habitation or commercial activities under high-tension cables or in restricted zones, saying the practice has become a major safety concern. He added that enforcement would be intensified to ensure full adherence to planning regulations and to protect public infrastructure.
Speaking during the tour, Oki revealed that the state had held multiple meetings with residents of Makoko and other affected communities to warn them of the risks of living directly under transmission lines and close to the bridge.
“As far back as February, we issued a 14-day notice for them to vacate, but they refused. They are even extending toward the middle of the Third Mainland Bridge,” Oki said.
He noted that the government had made it clear during these engagements that no further notice would precede enforcement.
“The lives of the people are more important. If any of those cables fall, the blame will come back to the government. We cannot allow such risks to continue,” he added.
The government says full-scale enforcement will begin soon as it prioritises public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure.
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