Lagos State House of Assembly has directed an immediate stop to demolitions in the Makoko waterfront area after residents staged protest and advocacy group complaints last week.
These initial actions by the state government displaced numerous families, prompting demands for government transparency.
Majority Leader Noheem Adams, leading discussions at the Alausa Complex in Ikeja, issued the order on behalf of Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. “We are addressing this gravely, and all demolitions must cease immediately,” Adams declared.
The House planned collaboration with ministries to scrutinize the process and form a task force on setback disputes of 15 to 30 meters. Community voices, like the President of Makoko Students Association, Kojah Phinehas, highlighted unclear enforcement rules.
Reiterating the same sentiment, Lawyer Jiti Ogunye claimed evictions surpassed the announced 30-meter limit, reaching up to 522 meters, while leaving hundreds homeless.
He called for probes into procedures, precise regulations, and human rights compliance amid resident confusion. In contrast, Special Adviser Olajide Babatunde denied exceeding 500 meters, noting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s prior halt order.
A task force with local leaders will tackle issues, he said, rejecting fatality reports. The regeneration scheme featured floating homes and shoreline upgrades for better living in the fishing enclave.
Yaba LCDA Chair Bayo Adefuye allocated N20 million in aid, including boat family food supplies, pending de-escalation, as officials outlined $10 million for Makoko revival, with $2 million state-funded and $8 million from UN partners for a “water city.”
With Makoko and nearby areas like Owode-Onirin protesting peacefully at the Assembly for compensation and demolition ends, consultations favored this over shoreline expansion due to ecology.
Background
Recall that media reports have previously alleged Lagos Police to have opened fire on demonstrators and journalists during a peaceful rally against demolitions last Wednesday, injuring several people while leaving blood on the streets near the State House of Assembly in Alausa.
The Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land Grabbing, and Displacement organized the event, starting from Ikeja Underbridge. Protesters marched along Awolowo Road with placards carrying “Save Our Souls” and “Stop the Killings, Stop Demolition of Our Homes,” protesting evictions in areas like Owode Onirin market and Ajegunle which organizers claimed to be benefiting private hotel and luxury developments.
Leader Hassan Soweto addressed the crowd, opposing demolitions of homeless communities without opposing development itself. While the group notified the police, the command rejected it without explanation.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana condemned the actions, citing several court injunctions. In 2017, he said, Lagos High Court ruled against unlawful evictions, awarding N3.5 million damages.
The Federal High Court also banned demolitions in Makoko and other waterfronts. Lagos officials defended the demolitions for safety near waterways and power lines. Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso stressed setback laws to prevent disasters, while adviser Olajide Babatunde called it urban regeneration for resilience, though critics decried lack of consultation or compensation as anti-poor.