Lagos State Government Bans Night Construction Work: New Working Hours Set for All Building Sites

 

In a move aimed at improving safety and environmental standards, the Lagos State Government has introduced a major policy change that will affect all building and construction activities across the state. According to a recent announcement, all construction work is now restricted to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., from Mondays to Saturdays.

This new directive was made public on Thursday, May 15, through an official statement issued by Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. The statement was delivered on behalf of Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State.

Why the Restriction?

According to Commissioner Olumide, the decision to restrict construction hours is not just a random regulation. It’s a strategic step taken by the state government to address a number of pressing issues, most especially the rising cases of building collapse, environmental degradation, and concerns over the safety and quality of life of residents living close to construction sites.

In his words:

“This restriction must be strictly adhered to by all stakeholders in the construction sector. It is in the public interest and will be enforced by relevant government agencies.”

This means that all construction companies, site engineers, developers, and anyone involved in building work must follow this new schedule without exception, or risk facing penalties from the state enforcement agencies.

Room for Flexibility – But Only by Formal Request

Understanding that some construction projects may have special requirements that could demand extended working hours, the Commissioner also stated that the government is open to evaluating such situations on a case-by-case basis. However, this would only be possible through a formal application process. Each request would be reviewed with proper scrutiny before any concession is granted.

As he clearly stated:

“Concessions may be granted but only after due diligence and evaluation,” he said.

This ensures that while the government remains firm on its decision, it is also willing to accommodate genuine needs—as long as the proper channels are followed and the safety of the environment and the public is not compromised.

Residents Called to Be Vigilant

Interestingly, this new directive is not just about regulation and enforcement from the top; it also encourages community participation and accountability. The government is calling on all Lagos residents to become more involved in monitoring their environment and reporting any illegal construction activity that takes place outside the approved time frame.

Commissioner Olumide made this call with a strong appeal to public consciousness:

“We encourage the public to take ownership of their environment. If you observe construction activities going on outside the approved hours, please report them to the appropriate authorities,” Olumide said.

This means Lagosians have a role to play in making this new policy successful. If you live near a construction site and notice that work is still going on late at night or very early in the morning, you are encouraged to alert the authorities. This not only helps to enforce the law but also protects you and your neighbors from potential risks associated with overnight construction work.

What This Means for the Construction Industry

For builders, contractors, and developers operating in Lagos, this new directive represents a major shift in operations. Companies will now have to adjust their project timelines, labor schedules, and daily targets to fit within the newly approved working hours. There is also the added administrative responsibility of applying for extended hours in special cases, and being ready for site inspections and compliance checks.

On the bright side, if fully enforced, this policy could significantly reduce noise pollution, increase safety, and prevent structural failures caused by rushed or unsupervised work done during odd hours.

In Summary

To wrap it up, here are the key takeaways from this new Lagos State construction directive:

• Construction work is now limited to 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays.

• No work is allowed outside those hours unless officially approved through a formal application.

• The policy aims to prevent building collapse, protect the environment, and improve the well-being of residents.

• All stakeholders in the building and construction industry must comply without fail.

• Lagos residents are encouraged to report any construction activities happening outside the approved hours.

This is a clear sign that the Lagos State Government is serious about urban planning, building safety, and environmental health. It also signals a call for everyone—government officials, contractors, and everyday residents—to work together in making Lagos a safer and better-planned city.