Lagos to Demolish Shanties Under High-Tension Power Lines in Makoko

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish shanties built directly beneath high-tension power lines in Makoko, Yaba, citing urgent safety and security concerns.

The move follows similar demolitions at the Oworonshoki end of the Third Mainland Bridge, where unsafe structures were recently cleared.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban and Regional Planning, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, said several meetings had been held with residents and community leaders warning them of the risks, but many ignored repeated appeals to relocate.

“As a government, we don’t just start removing buildings; we are working with community leaders in clearing illegal structures under high-tension power lines in Makoko,” Oki said.

He explained that the demolitions are necessary to prevent potential disasters if power cables fail, stressing that investigations have also linked some traffic robberies on the Third Mainland Bridge to people using the shanties as hideouts.

Planning Rules and Safety Risks

The Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law prohibits construction beneath overhead power lines. Specific setback distances are mandated depending on the voltage:

• 6 metres for 0.415kV and 11kV lines
• 10 metres for 33kV lines
• 20 metres for 132kV lines
• 30 metres for 330kV lines
• 12 metres minimum setback from the boundary of a power substation

These rules are designed to protect lives, reduce the risk of electrocution and fire outbreaks, and promote orderly urban development across the state.

The state government has urged residents of Makoko to cooperate with the enforcement drive to ensure safety and compliance.