The Lagos State House of Assembly has officially halted demolitions in Makoko and Shogunle, directing a structured two-week reconciliation process to address issues arising from previous clearance operations. The move is aimed at fostering dialogue with affected residents and ensuring sustainable urban development along the Third Mainland Bridge corridor.

During a committee meeting with local leaders, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to reconciliation, emphasizing the inclusion of women, youths, students, and traditional leaders in community committees. These committees are tasked with facilitating effective communication, resolving disputes, and ensuring residents comply with the new regulations.

The Assembly adopted recommendations from the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on E-GIS, Dr Olajide Babatunde, which include the establishment of a 250-metre setback from the Third Mainland Bridge and an additional 250-metre buffer beyond the power line corridor. All forms of development are now prohibited within these designated zones to safeguard public safety and environmental standards.

Lagos community leaders and residents have welcomed the directive, with the Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye, acknowledging the efforts of both the state and local governments. Relief materials and palliatives have already been distributed to residents affected by earlier demolitions, providing immediate support while the reconciliation process proceeds.

The Assembly emphasized that the two-week timeline is critical for ensuring a lasting resolution. Committees are expected to submit progress reports regularly, while the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the E-GIS Office will continue monitoring compliance with the buffer zones.

Lagos Assembly’s halt on demolitions in Makoko and Shogunle marks a shift towards community-inclusive urban planning. The state government has reiterated that any attempts to bypass the buffer zones or engage in unauthorized construction will result in legal actions.

The decision highlights Lagos State’s commitment to environmental safety, sustainable urban development, and social cohesion, balancing infrastructure growth with community needs. Residents are urged to cooperate fully with the committees and respect regulations to ensure a smooth reconciliation process.

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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.

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has invited community leaders from Makoko and neighboring waterfront settlements for a meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to address petitions concerning recent demolitions and forced evictions.

The invitation, issued via a letter dated January 26 and signed by the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, requests leaders to present relevant documents to facilitate discussions.

The move follows widespread unrest in the waterfront communities after demolition exercises destroyed homes, schools, and small clinics. Residents and human rights groups allege the operations were conducted without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement, leaving many families homeless and living in precarious conditions. Some displaced persons have reportedly taken shelter on boats or with neighbors, while others relocated to other areas of Lagos State.

Community leaders claim the demolition extended far beyond the agreed 30-metre setback from high-tension power lines, reportedly reaching up to 520 metres, destroying properties and displacing residents. Francis Samson, a community chief, said, “Before the demolition, the government indicated only structures within 30 metres of power lines would be removed. However, they extended this to 100 metres and eventually demolished homes up to 520 metres.”

The destruction has severely impacted livelihoods, particularly for fishermen, while reports indicate deaths occurred during the operation, including a child from tear gas exposure and an adult from health complications following the demolition. Residents continue to plead with the government for clearly defined boundaries and sustainable resettlement solutions.

Oluwo Felix Fasinu, another community leader, emphasized the need for proper demarcation, stating, “Repeated appeals to the government to define our boundaries have yielded no results. People cannot be fully displaced after spending their entire lives here.”

The Assembly’s Committee on Rules and Business, led by Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, is yet to respond to follow-up enquiries. The meeting scheduled at the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, aims to address grievances, explore solutions, and ensure compliance with lawful procedures in the waterfront communities.

This engagement underscores Lagos State’s recognition of ongoing tensions in Makoko and the need for dialogue between authorities and affected communities to mitigate social, economic, and humanitarian impacts.

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Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has warned that the rule of law is increasingly under threat in Nigeria, citing recent demolitions in Makoko and Oworonsoki areas of Lagos State as troubling examples.

Falana raised the concern on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR). The conference, themed “Advancing and Defending the Rule of Law in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ Tragedy and Way Forward,” brought together civil society leaders, activists, and delegates from across the country.

Speaking through his representative, Malachy Ugwumadu, Falana questioned whether the principles of the rule of law truly operate in Nigeria’s democratic system. He argued that the manner in which the Lagos demolitions were carried out reflects a deeper governance failure, particularly in the protection of vulnerable citizens.

“The question is whether we can boldly say that the rule of law is operational in our country,” Falana said. “If it were, what is happening in Oworonsoki and Makoko in Lagos would not be taking place.”

According to him, thousands of residents have been displaced during demolition exercises, with homes destroyed while occupants, including children, were still inside. He described the situation as a clear violation of basic human rights and due process.

Falana argued that the affected communities largely consist of economically disadvantaged Nigerians, making them easy targets for forceful state actions. He contrasted their treatment with that of residents in more affluent parts of Lagos such as Ikoyi and Ajah.

“The only offence of these people is that they belong to the demographic of weak Nigerians, those who are not financially buoyant,” he said. “Yet, their properties are razed, and their lives disrupted without adequate safeguards.”

The human rights lawyer also expressed concern over the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, particularly the handling of protests and dissent. He noted that activists who challenged the demolitions, including Soweto Hassan and Dele Frank, were allegedly manhandled by security operatives and subsequently charged to court.

According to Falana, such actions discourage lawful protest and erode citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions. He warned that the growing intolerance for dissent mirrors practices associated with military rule rather than civilian democracy.

“Our country appears to be sliding back into a military mentality,” he said. “I do not understand how we have sleep-walked into this situation, where peaceful protest is treated as a crime.”

Falana further accused the government of weaponising existing laws to silence criticism, particularly the Cybercrime Act. He claimed the law is increasingly being used to intimidate journalists and stifle press freedom, rather than protect citizens from genuine cyber threats.

Beyond demolitions and protest suppression, Falana lamented what he described as a widening gap between the rich and the poor. He argued that state policies and enforcement actions are deepening social inequality and weakening already vulnerable communities.

“Our country has always faced challenges, but the current dimension seems to deliberately weaken the poor,” he said. “This only widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots.”

He urged civil society organisations, activists, and human rights defenders not to relent in holding government accountable. According to him, sustained advocacy and collective action remain critical to reversing the erosion of the rule of law.

“We must stand firm and resolute in pursuing the cause we have chosen,” Falana said, calling on stakeholders to remain committed despite increasing pressure.

Also speaking at the conference, the Vice President of the CDHR, Yinka Folarin, acknowledged that defending human rights in Nigeria has become more difficult in recent times. He stressed that democracy cannot thrive without strict adherence to the rule of law.

“Democracy should be premised on the rule of law, and the rule of law must be the cornerstone of any democratic system,” Folarin said. “There is still a lot of work to be done in promoting and respecting human rights in Nigeria.”

The conference ended with renewed calls for stronger institutional safeguards, judicial independence, and greater respect for citizens’ rights, particularly in urban development and security operations. Participants warned that without meaningful reforms, public trust in democratic governance would continue to erode.

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has defended the recent demolition exercise carried out in parts of Makoko, insisting that the action was taken in the overall interest of public safety and to prevent a potential disaster.

The governor also used the opportunity to appeal to corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the state’s security architecture through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

Sanwo-Olu spoke during a private breakfast meeting with selected Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers in Ikoyi, Lagos, organised by the LSSTF to mobilise funds for critical security needs in 2026.

Addressing public criticism and protests that followed the demolition in Makoko, the governor explained that the structures affected were dangerously close to key infrastructure, including the Third Mainland Bridge and high-tension power lines.

According to him, the rapid expansion of illegal settlements in the area posed serious safety risks that could result in mass casualties if left unchecked.

“I have been accused of destroying Makoko, but people need to understand the reality,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Those shanties were expanding at an alarming speed and getting dangerously close to the Third Mainland Bridge and high-tension power lines. I cannot sit back and watch a disaster happen where hundreds of lives could be lost in one day.”

He stressed that government intervention was not driven by malice or displacement for its own sake, but by the responsibility to protect lives and property.

Sanwo-Olu also revealed that efforts were previously made to attract international development support for the area, but those plans failed to materialise.

“For six years, a United Nations agency promised to support development if the state provided counterpart funding. We did, but they never returned. Only last week, they admitted they had no funds,” he said.

The governor criticised some non-governmental organisations for exploiting the situation for financial gain, alleging that certain groups raise funds abroad by portraying distress without offering lasting solutions.

“What benefit would it be for government to dislocate people if not for their safety?” he asked, assuring residents that the administration’s goal is to improve living conditions, not worsen them.

Okobaba relocation cited as precedent

Sanwo-Olu referenced the Okobaba sawmill relocation as an example of how difficult urban interventions can deliver long-term benefits.

He explained that the Okobaba area, which suffered frequent fire outbreaks, was successfully relocated to Agbowa after years of planning, at a cost of billions of naira.

“We built over 500 houses for them, and that is why you no longer hear of fire incidents in Okobaba,” he noted.

Call for security funding support

Beyond the demolition issue, the governor appealed for increased private-sector participation in strengthening Lagos’ security framework.

He listed critical security needs including helicopters, drones, armoured personnel carriers, water cannons, CCTV cameras, digital communication equipment, vehicles, and tactical training for security agencies.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state currently funds more than 50 per cent of security operations annually, but stressed that additional support is needed to sustain and scale ongoing initiatives.

“We want the private sector to trust that their contributions are transparently deployed. Lagos must remain secure to attract investments and protect lives,” he said.

He added that the state is rebuilding its Command and Control Centre and expanding its Safe City CCTV project to enhance surveillance and emergency response across Lagos.

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Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command fired teargas at residents who staged a protest on Wednesday at the Lagos State House of Assembly over ongoing demolition exercises across several communities, including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, and Baba-Ijora.

The residents gathered to express opposition to the demolitions, which they claimed were carried out without adequate consultation, proper compensation, or resettlement plans.

The demonstration began at the Ikeja under-bridge and proceeded to the assembly complex, where the protesters carried banners and placards with messages such as “Justice for Ago Egun,” “Governor Sanwo-Olu, Save Ajegunle People from Oba Ojora,” “Justice for Owode Onirin Traders,” and “Halt the Demolitions, It is Illegal.” Their aim was to demand justice and fair treatment for those affected by the ongoing government-led demolition activities.

Upon reaching the assembly complex, police officers had barricaded the entrance with vehicles, preventing the protesters from entering. The authorities cited security concerns, noting that allowing unrestricted access could lead to the demonstration being hijacked by hoodlums. The Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, who was present at the scene, stated that the police would not permit entry into the assembly to maintain order and protect both the protesters and the premises.

The protesters insisted on gaining access to the designated podium at the assembly complex, highlighting that similar protests, such as the December 17, 2025, demonstration led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over rising insecurity, had been permitted by the police. Activist Hassan Soweto reminded the police commissioner of this precedent, arguing for equitable treatment of all peaceful protests regardless of the cause.

In response to the protesters’ persistence, three members of the Lagos State House of Assembly came out to address the crowd. However, the gesture failed to satisfy the demonstrators, who booed the lawmakers and demanded permission to enter the complex. The tension escalated as disagreements between the protesters and the lawmakers intensified, eventually leading to the departure of the assembly members under a chorus of boos from the demonstrators.

Shortly after the departure of the lawmakers, police officers deployed teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. Several demonstrators were reportedly affected, while a number of participants were arrested. Journalists covering the protest were also caught in the teargas, highlighting the challenges faced by media personnel in volatile public demonstrations.

The protest underscores the rising tensions between residents and government authorities over urban redevelopment initiatives in Lagos. Many communities affected by the demolitions have long raised concerns about the lack of adequate resettlement options, insufficient compensation for lost property, and limited engagement with affected residents before carrying out such actions. Civil society groups and activists have consistently argued that demolitions without community involvement risk creating social unrest and deepening mistrust between citizens and the state.

Local analysts note that while the government cites the need to enforce urban planning regulations and eliminate illegal structures, the approach to implementation has often been criticized for being heavy-handed. Reports indicate that affected areas, such as Makoko and Ajegunle, are home to low-income populations, many of whom rely on informal settlements for their livelihoods. The removal of such structures without comprehensive resettlement plans exacerbates socio-economic vulnerabilities and fuels grievances among residents.

This incident also highlights the recurring challenge of balancing urban development, regulatory enforcement, and human rights considerations. Policymakers face the complex task of upgrading infrastructure and ensuring orderly city planning while also protecting the welfare of vulnerable communities. The teargas deployment and subsequent arrests have sparked renewed debate about the appropriate use of force in managing protests, with calls for improved dialogue and negotiation mechanisms between authorities and affected residents.

As Lagos continues its push for urban modernization and environmental management, the government is expected to provide clarity on compensation frameworks and resettlement options. Observers emphasize that sustainable urban development requires transparent processes, active engagement with communities, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly serves as a reminder of the growing frustration among residents affected by demolition operations. It also underscores the broader need for governments to adopt inclusive and humane strategies when implementing urban policies, particularly in cities experiencing rapid population growth and infrastructural pressures.

Moving forward, stakeholders—including government agencies, civil society groups, and community leaders—are urged to collaborate to ensure that development initiatives are equitable, transparent, and respectful of citizens’ rights. Without such engagement, similar protests and confrontations are likely to persist, threatening public trust and social cohesion in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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The Lagos State Government has defended the demolition of structures in Makoko and other waterfront communities, insisting that the exercise followed years of consultations, notices, and engagement with affected residents.

State officials said the removal of illegal structures was part of an urban renewal and safety initiative aimed at preventing environmental disasters, fires, and building collapse in high-risk waterfront settlements. According to the government, repeated warnings were issued to residents long before the demolition began.

Makoko, Oworonshoki, Ilaje-Otumara, Owode Onirin and Baba Ijora were among the communities affected by the exercise, which has displaced thousands of residents and sparked outrage from civil society organisations and human rights groups.

At a press briefing in Lagos, officials maintained that the affected structures were built without approval on unsafe terrain, posing serious risks to lives and public infrastructure. They added that the state could no longer ignore safety concerns, especially in densely populated waterfront areas.

However, residents and advocacy groups have rejected the government’s position, describing the demolition as inhumane and poorly handled. They accused the state of failing to provide adequate resettlement plans before pulling down homes and business premises.

Community leaders claim that despite alleged engagements, many residents were not properly informed or compensated, leaving families stranded and without shelter. Women, children and the elderly were reported to be the worst affected.

Human rights groups also raised concerns over the use of security operatives during the demolition, alleging excessive force and disregard for court orders restraining the exercise.

While the government insists the action was necessary and lawful, residents continue to demand compensation, resettlement, and a halt to further demolitions, warning that development should not come at the cost of human dignity and livelihoods.

The controversy has renewed public debate over urban renewal policies in Lagos, especially the balance between development, safety, and the rights of low-income communities.

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Residents of Makoko, Owode Onirin, and other Lagos waterfront communities are grappling with mass displacement following government demolition exercises described as “urban renewal,” which critics say disproportionately affect the poor.

Since December 23, 2025, over 3,000 homes have been destroyed, displacing more than 10,000 people in communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Ilaje-Otumara, Owode Onirin, and Baba Ijora. Women, children, and the elderly now find shelter in canoes, churches, and open spaces, stripped of security and livelihoods.

At a press briefing at the International Press Centre, Ogba, human rights and civic groups, including the #Endbad Governance Movement, CAPPA, and the Makoko Waterfront Community, condemned the state’s actions as inhumane. They accused authorities of prioritizing elite land interests over residents’ rights and livelihoods.

“Makoko is home to over 100,000 people. Families who have lived and worked here for generations now face homelessness,” said Israel Idowu, Coordinator of Makoko Waterfront Community. Reports indicate that at least 12 people, including two infants, died during the demolitions.

Residents like Funke Adeyemi, a 38-year-old fisherwoman, described the impact on their lives:

“My parents lived here. My children were born here. My canoe is my office. Now I have no house, no school for my children, and no place to fish from.”

While Lagos State officials justify the demolitions as safety and environmental measures, critics argue that the government failed for decades to provide essential infrastructure and basic services, and is now using neglect as justification to clear land for elite projects.

Human rights groups also raised questions about a $200 million World Bank loan purportedly earmarked for slum upgrading, including Makoko, demanding transparency on its usage.

Community leaders emphasized that they support development but demand justice, compensation, and resettlement rather than demolition that displaces citizens and destroys communities.

Makoko’s plight reflects a broader debate in global urban planning, where informal settlements in cities like Nairobi and Cape Town are upgraded rather than demolished.

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