Client Alert

The Lagos State Government has introduced a significant directive aimed at improving health and safety in the construction sector. In a public directive issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, all construction activities across the state are now restricted to the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. This restriction is to be strictly adhered to by all construction companies, institutions, and agencies operating within Lagos State. Relevant enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance.

This move is a welcome development in the regulation of construction practices in Lagos. It mirrors best practices in other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, where construction activities typically run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and until 1:00 PM on Saturdays, with work generally prohibited on Sundays and public holidays unless special permission is granted by the local council. In Lagos, a similar concession may be granted to construction sites seeking to operate outside the stipulated hours, provided a formal application is submitted to the Lagos Building Control Agency and assessed on its merit by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The primary objective of this regulation is to promote public safety, reduce environmental disturbance, and prevent structural failures. Building collapses, noise pollution, and overworked labourers have been recurring concerns in Lagos, and this directive is a timely intervention. Residents are encouraged to report any construction site found violating the new time restrictions to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.