Lagos Gov’t Restricts Construction Sites To 6pm Closing Time

The Lagos State Government has imposed strict new regulations limiting construction activities to between 7:00am and 6:00pm from Mondays through Saturdays, in a renewed effort to safeguard lives, improve public safety, and protect the environment.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, announced the directive on Thursday in Alausa, stating that enforcement will be carried out rigorously by relevant government agencies.

“The restriction order must be strictly adhered to by all those involved in building construction in the state, as relevant Government Agencies would enforce compliance,” Olumide said.

However, he noted that developers may apply for special concessions to work beyond the stipulated hours. “Concession to work outside these hours could be granted, subject to formal application that would be treated on its merits,” he added.

According to Olumide, the move was a proactive step aimed at curbing the frequent cases of building collapse in the state, promoting social wellness, and ensuring a more environmentally sustainable urban development process.

The development came amid growing concerns over safety on construction sites in Lagos. In 2024, a tragic incident at Arowojobe Estate in the Maryland area of the state saw a two-storey building collapse, resulting in the deaths of five construction workers. The disaster raised serious questions about regulatory compliance and site safety practices.

In response to that incident, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) also issued a stern warning, banning workers, particularly labourers from sleeping at construction sites.

“Henceforth, nobody should be found sleeping in any building under construction after the close of work, especially at night,” LASBCA’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, declared in a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Olaoye Olusegun.

The statement further emphasized, “LASBCA officials will be inspecting construction sites across the state, especially at night, to ensure that nobody is sleeping inside any building under construction.”

Additionally, the agency stressed that no construction activities should take place on Sundays or beyond 7:00 p.m. on any day.

“Any property developer or owner who engages workers to carry out construction work on Sundays and beyond 7 p.m. on Monday to Saturday will have his or her property sealed indefinitely,” the statement warned.

The state government called on residents to report construction sites that flout the new directive. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining structural integrity across Lagos and ensuring that every building is “safe, secure, and fit for habitation.”