The Lagos State Government has disclosed that $2 million has been set aside for the redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront, as authorities confirmed that the ongoing demolition exercise in the community has been suspended.
The pause followed a meeting between representatives of the Makoko community and officials of the Lagos State Government, where residents raised concerns over displacement, loss of homes and the social impact of the demolitions.
According to government officials, the suspension is aimed at creating room for further engagement, while discussions on compensation, resettlement options and the broader redevelopment plan continue.
Residents of Makoko, a densely populated waterfront settlement in Lagos, said the halt offers temporary relief after weeks of uncertainty and tension triggered by the demolition exercise. Many families had complained that they were displaced without adequate notice or clear information on compensation and relocation.
Government sources said the state remains committed to regenerating the Makoko waterfront in line with urban renewal plans, adding that the earmarked $2 million would support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in the area.
Officials explained that the redevelopment plan is intended to improve living conditions, address environmental concerns and integrate the waterfront community into Lagos’ broader urban growth strategy.
The meeting held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, provided an opportunity for community leaders to present their grievances directly to government representatives. Issues raised included the loss of shelter, disruption of livelihoods, access to basic services and fears that residents could be permanently displaced from their ancestral homes.
According to those present at the meeting, government officials assured the community that no further demolition would take place for now and that affected residents would be carried along in subsequent decisions.
The development comes amid growing public attention on the Makoko demolition, with civil society groups, lawyers and human rights advocates calling on the Lagos State Government to adopt a more humane and consultative approach.
The Lagos State House of Assembly had earlier intervened in the matter, ordering an immediate halt to demolitions in Makoko and adjoining communities, including Oko-Agbon and Shogunro. Lawmakers also pledged that residents whose properties had already been demolished would be compensated.
The Assembly’s intervention followed protests by displaced residents, which drew attention to the humanitarian implications of the demolition exercise.
While the state government has defended the demolition as part of its urban renewal and waterfront development agenda, officials have repeatedly insisted that affected residents would not be abandoned.
Authorities said the Makoko regeneration plan aligns with broader efforts to modernise Lagos’ waterfronts, improve environmental sustainability and reduce risks associated with unplanned settlements, including flooding and fire outbreaks.
However, community leaders have stressed that any redevelopment must prioritise the welfare of existing residents and avoid turning Makoko into a project that benefits only investors and high-income earners.
For now, residents say they are awaiting clearer timelines, detailed compensation frameworks and concrete resettlement plans that would guarantee their right to housing and livelihood.
The Lagos State Government has not yet released a detailed breakdown of how the $2 million rebuilding fund will be utilised, but officials said further engagements with community stakeholders would guide the next phase of action.
