The Lagos State Government (LASG) on Monday held a media update to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the demolition of structures in the Makoko waterfront community, emphasizing safety concerns and announcing a $2 million redevelopment plan to support affected residents. NaijaChoice News report.

The briefing, which took place at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, featured key officials including representatives from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, who defended the exercise as necessary for public safety and urban planning. According to the government, the demolitions, which began in late December 2025, targeted illegal structures built under high-tension power lines and in violation of environmental regulations, displacing over 10,000 people in the historic fishing settlement.

During the update, officials clarified that the operation was not a wholesale demolition of Makoko but a targeted removal of unsafe buildings. “Makoko was not fully demolished; there was a targeted removal of structures that were built within the radius of high tension,” a state representative stated, addressing widespread misconceptions. They insisted that multiple notices had been issued since 2024, with extensions granted throughout 2025 to allow for voluntary compliance.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his spokespersons, accused some local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of exploiting the situation for financial gain, claiming their opposition was profit-driven rather than rooted in genuine concern for residents. “The state government has no interest in destroying people’s homes without reason; this is strictly about public safety and infrastructure protection,” the governor was quoted as saying.

In response to the backlash, including reports of police using expired tear gas on protesters and allegations of excessive force, the LASG unveiled a $2 million redevelopment plan aimed at resettling displaced families and improving the area’s infrastructure. The initiative includes provisions for temporary housing, vocational training for fishermen, and environmental upgrades to mitigate flooding risks in the lagoon community.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, criticised the police tactics, alleging the use of expired tear gas during clashes with demonstrators. Meanwhile, a coalition of advocacy groups reported that more than 3,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving families like one with 5-month-old twins to live in wooden canoes amid the rainy season.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has scheduled a meeting with Makoko community leaders on Tuesday, February 3, to discuss the demolitions and potential relief measures, following a petition from affected residents. This comes amid growing calls from global rights organisations to halt the exercise, citing violations of court orders and international human rights standards.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, the demolitions have sparked widespread outcry, with residents dismantling their own structures in fear of further action and activists accusing the government of disregarding vulnerable communities. Makoko, established in the 19th century, has faced similar threats in the past, often halted by public pressure.

The government maintains that the actions are part of broader efforts to ensure sanitation and security, while promising that the redevelopment plan will bring long-term benefits to the area. Residents, however, continue to plead for reduced demolition scopes and immediate humanitarian aid.

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