The has proposed the relocation of residents of Makoko and two other waterfront communities to a new settlement in following a demolition exercise that displaced several families.
The recommendation followed the adoption of a report by the assembly’s standing committee on rules and business regarding the demolition of structures in the Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Sogunro waterfront communities.
Demolition displaced several residents
In December 2025, the began demolishing what it described as “illicit structures” in communities located around the .
The exercise led to the destruction of homes and properties, forcing many residents to leave their long-standing waterfront settlements.
Following the demolition, affected residents protested and submitted a petition to the Speaker of the Assembly, , demanding government intervention.
The state legislature subsequently called for a temporary suspension of the demolition while it investigated the matter.
Assembly committee findings
Presenting the report during plenary, the chairman of the committee, , said the panel held five separate meetings with the petitioners and conducted on-site inspections alongside government officials.
According to the committee, the demolition exercise resulted in the destruction of homes and property, worsening the living conditions of residents who have depended on fishing for their livelihoods for decades.
Proposed relocation and housing plan
The committee recommended that the Governor of Lagos State, , direct the state’s special adviser on the electronic geographic information system (E-GIS) to review the enumeration report submitted by the affected communities.
It also suggested that displaced residents be relocated to a proposed low-cost housing estate to be constructed in the Agbowa area of Epe, where they could continue fishing activities.
Water city project initiative
The committee further urged the Lagos government to engage the Oloto of the Otto family, recognised as the traditional landowners of the area, in the development of a planned water city project.
Earlier in February 2026, the state government announced plans to invest $10 million in the water city initiative aimed at modernising the Makoko fishing community and improving living conditions.
Future of waterfront communities
Lawmakers said the relocation plan, if implemented, could provide displaced residents with improved housing while preserving their traditional fishing livelihood.
However, stakeholders say sustained engagement with affected communities will be necessary to ensure a smooth transition and avoid further displacement challenges.
