By John Umeh
Government Moves to Enforce Safer Building Practices
The Lagos State Government has officially banned all forms of overnight construction activities on building sites across the state, citing growing safety risks, public nuisance, and regulatory violations. The directive, announced by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Adebayo, marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to improve oversight and enforce compliance in the fast-growing construction sector.
According to the government, the decision was prompted by a series of complaints from residents regarding noise pollution, structural instability, and suspicious activities occurring under the cover of darkness. Most notably, recent reports have linked some nighttime construction efforts to unauthorized developments and attempts to bypass required inspections by regulatory bodies.
“Construction must be carried out in a transparent, safe, and monitored manner,” said Dr. Adebayo during a press briefing. “We cannot allow builders to operate in secrecy, especially during hours when regulatory officials are unavailable and residents are most vulnerable.”
He added that all building activities must now strictly occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and any contractor or developer found flouting this directive would face fines, permit revocation, or possible demolition of illegal structures.
Page 2: Rising Incidents Spark Clampdown
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and most populous city, has witnessed a rapid surge in construction over the last decade. However, this growth has come with increasing concerns over the integrity of buildings, several of which have collapsed, resulting in injuries and loss of life. Investigations into some of these incidents have revealed that unregulated overnight construction contributed to structural weaknesses, often due to poor lighting, fatigued laborers, and lack of supervision.
In recent months, residents in areas such as Lekki, Ikeja, and Ajah have repeatedly raised alarms over noisy construction work continuing late into the night, disrupting sleep and raising fears of substandard practices. In one case, an uncompleted building in Ikorodu partially collapsed overnight while workers were on site, prompting an emergency response.
Experts and urban planners have welcomed the government’s move, saying it will help enforce accountability and encourage proper building practices. “Night construction is often used to avoid scrutiny,” said architect Tunde Adigun. “This new policy will restore sanity and reduce risks, especially in densely populated areas.”
Additionally, law enforcement and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) have been tasked with conducting night patrols to ensure strict compliance with the ban. Special hotlines and a digital reporting platform will also be introduced to allow citizens to report violations in real time.
Page 3: Public Reactions and Implications for Developers
The response to the government’s announcement has been mixed. While many residents applauded the decision, some contractors and developers have expressed concerns about potential delays in project timelines and increased labor costs.
“We understand the need for safety, but this could affect our deadlines,” said a site supervisor working on a commercial building in Victoria Island. “We urge the government to provide alternative solutions for fast-tracking permits and inspections so that we can work more efficiently during the day.”
In reply, the Ministry of Physical Planning assured stakeholders that it would streamline the approval process and increase the availability of inspectors to reduce bottlenecks. The Commissioner also emphasized that no project timeline is worth risking lives or violating urban regulations.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every building project complies with structural standards and environmental safety. As the city continues to expand vertically and horizontally, authorities stress the need for responsible urban development that prioritizes human life and public well-being.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any after-hours construction to the LASBCA. The government emphasized that this policy is not a temporary measure, but part of a broader plan to reform building practices and restore order to the city’s urban planning landscape.