Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to clear all buildings and structures erected beneath high-tension power lines across the state, warning that continued encroachment poses grave risks to public safety.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Electronic Geographic Information System, eGIS, and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, issued the warning during an on-site inspection of the Third Mainland Bridge corridor.
Babatunde was accompanied 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, LASURA, Oladimeji Animashaun; and senior officials from other relevant agencies.
The assessment tour covered the stretch from Oworonshoki to Adekunle and the Makoko section of Ebute Meta, where officials identified several shanties and unlawful structures encroaching on the legally required 50-metre setback around the bridge and beneath high-tension transmission lines.
Babatunde stressed that the state can no longer permit habitation or commercial activities in restricted corridors, particularly under power lines, describing such actions as dangerous and unacceptable.
He added that enforcement operations would be intensified to ensure compliance with planning laws, protect public infrastructure, and safeguard lives.
Speaking during the tour, Oki revealed that the government had held numerous engagements with residents in Makoko and neighbouring communities, repeatedly warning them of the dangers of erecting structures directly under power lines or too close to the Third Mainland Bridge.
“As far back as February this year, we issued a 14-day notice for them to vacate the area, but they ignored it. Many of them have even extended their structures toward the midpoint of the bridge. We have warned them several times; the next step is decisive enforcement,” Oki said.
He reiterated that authorities made it clear during earlier meetings that after continuous warnings, no further notice would precede enforcement actions.
While the government remains open to dialogue with community leaders, he stressed that public safety remains paramount.
“If any of those cables were to snap and a disaster occurs, the blame would be directed at the government. Protecting lives is our priority. Beyond the power lines, their activities are now creeping dangerously close to the Third Mainland Bridge,” he added.