The Lagos State House of Assembly has held discussions with residents of the Makoko community impacted by recent demolition activities and has called on the relevant ministries to immediately suspend the exercise in the affected areas.
The meeting, which took place on Monday and was led by the Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, was convened to address concerns arising from the demolition carried out in Makoko and Oworonshoki.
Adams, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Makoko Demolition, instructed all ministries, departments, and agencies involved in the operation to stop further demolition in Makoko, Oko-Afon, and Shogunro communities.
He reassured residents that members of the state assembly would conduct an on-the-spot inspection of the affected areas to properly determine the exact setback limits being enforced by the government. Adams also disclosed that community leaders would be selected to serve as members of a Taskforce Committee that would soon be established to oversee the process.
According to the lawmaker, the Lagos State Government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and cannot overlook the risks associated with living close to high-tension power lines.
However, the assembly expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of the Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye, over the distribution of food items to displaced Makoko residents.
The lawmakers noted that the immediate need of those affected was shelter, not palliatives. They stressed that temporary relief materials could not adequately address the housing challenges created by the demolitions.
Also present at the meeting was the Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, who stated that the state government has maintained consistent engagement with Makoko residents regarding the ongoing regeneration plan for the area.
He clarified that the government has no intention of erasing the Makoko community and confirmed that the demolition exercise had been halted.
Babatunde further revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has earmarked $2 million for the development of Makoko, emphasising that the community will continue to exist as it forms part of Lagos’ historical identity. He added that residents affected by the demolition would be appropriately compensated.
Community leaders who spoke during the meeting insisted that they no longer want any non-governmental organisation to speak on their behalf. They expressed readiness to engage directly with the government and appealed for a complete stop to further demolitions in Makoko.
Meanwhile, Lagos State officials have maintained that the demolition was carried out for safety and urban renewal purposes. Authorities explained that all structures located within 100 metres of transmission lines crossing the lagoon were identified and marked for removal.
What you should know
The Makoko demolition has sparked widespread concern due to its humanitarian, safety, and urban planning implications.
While the Lagos State Government insists the exercise is necessary to protect lives and support urban renewal, residents argue that sudden demolitions leave families homeless. The intervention by the Lagos State Assembly signals a possible shift toward dialogue, assessment, and compensation.
With demolition temporarily halted and funds allocated for development, the outcome of ongoing engagements could shape the future of Makoko as both a historic community and a regenerating urban settlement.
