In a decisive effort to strengthen urban safety regulations, the Lagos State Government has officially restricted daily working hours on building construction sites to between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday. This directive, issued on Thursday, May 16, 2025, by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, is aimed at mitigating risks of building collapse, safeguarding workers, and improving environmental conditions in densely populated areas.
The restriction, which excludes Sunday operations, is now binding on all developers, contractors, and site workers operating within Lagos. According to the commissioner, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other relevant enforcement bodies have been mandated to ensure full compliance, warning that violations will attract stiff penalties including indefinite sealing of construction sites.
“The restriction order must be strictly adhered to by all those involved in building construction in the state,” Dr. Olumide stressed. “However, concession to work outside these hours could be granted upon formal application, which will be treated based on merit and necessity.”
This development comes on the heels of past tragedies, notably the 2024 collapse of a two-storey building in Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, which claimed the lives of five construction workers. That incident, among others, prompted renewed urgency from the government to curb unauthorized, late-night construction work and prevent site-related casualties.
In response to the incident, LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, had earlier banned all forms of overnight stays by laborers at construction sites across the state. Reinforcing the new mandate, Oki emphasized that site inspections—especially during night hours—would become routine to identify and sanction violators.
“Construction work beyond 7 pm and on Sundays is now strictly prohibited,” Oki noted in a statement signed by the agency’s Public Affairs Director, Olaoye Olusegun. “Anyone found working outside the permitted window risks having their property sealed indefinitely.”
The Lagos government says this policy is not just about restricting working hours, but also about promoting the social well-being of residents, reducing noise pollution, and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings.
In a state with high urban density and constant infrastructural expansion, concerns over the safety of buildings have been prevalent. Poor workmanship, round-the-clock site operations, and fatigue-induced errors have contributed to the collapse of over a dozen buildings in Lagos over the past three years.
“This is about public safety and sanity in urban development,” said Olumide. “We must prioritize well-being over profit and prevent further tragedies by enforcing regulated working conditions.”
To enhance enforcement and community ownership of the policy, the government has encouraged Lagos residents to report sites operating beyond approved hours. Complaints can be submitted directly to LASBCA or through the Ministry of Physical Planning’s official channels.
Real estate developers and stakeholders in the built environment have expressed mixed reactions. While many welcome the regulation for its safety implications, some believe flexibility should be extended for projects with tight deadlines, provided adequate safety oversight is maintained.
An estate developer in Lekki, Femi Oduwole, told ireport247news.com that while the policy is commendable, the government must also address delays in approvals and provide more clarity on how emergency concessions will be granted.
“We support a safer construction environment, but we also need efficiency on the part of regulatory bodies,” Oduwole said.
As Lagos continues its transformation into a smart mega-city, policies like this are expected to form the bedrock of sustainable and safe urban development. However, experts warn that enforcement must be consistent, transparent, and backed by regular public awareness to ensure its long-term success.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing updates and guidance to industry players and remains open to stakeholder engagement to fine-tune the directive for broader effectiveness.