By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Government has announced new working hour restrictions for construction sites across the state, limiting operations to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed the directive on Thursday during a media briefing in Alausa. He stated that the regulation is aimed at ensuring environmental safety, reducing risks of building collapse, and promoting public well-being.
“All those involved in building construction within Lagos State must strictly adhere to the new work schedule,” Olumide said. “Relevant government agencies will enforce compliance.”
He added that while exceptions could be made for work beyond the stipulated hours, such concessions would only be granted upon formal application and would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The commissioner encouraged residents to report any violations of the directive, emphasizing that public cooperation was crucial for its success.
The new measure follows previous safety initiatives by the state, including a 2024 directive by the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, which banned construction workers from residing overnight at building sites—a policy enacted after the collapse of a two-storey building in Maryland claimed five lives.
