Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming informal settlements into safer and more liveable communities as part of a wider urban renewal strategy across the country.

Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by officials of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), led by its National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, Darma said the government would focus on upgrading long-established underserved communities rather than allowing them remain neglected.

Makoko, Gishiri Among Priority Communities

The minister identified communities including Makoko in Lagos State, Gishiri in Abuja, as well as selected settlements in Kano and Port Harcourt, as areas already under consideration for intervention.

According to him, the government aims to transform these locations into habitable and dignified environments through better infrastructure, planning systems, and urban support facilities.

Darma explained that the initiative forms part of a broader urban development policy currently being developed by the ministry.

He also disclosed plans to revisit the Regional and Urban Development Law enacted in 1992, a framework many stakeholders believe has suffered decades of poor implementation.

Government Seeks Collaboration With Professionals

The minister stressed that partnerships with development agencies and professional bodies would be critical to successful implementation.

He invited town planning experts to provide technical recommendations that could strengthen the ministry’s strategy.

According to him, collaboration remains necessary to ensure policies translate into measurable improvements across Nigerian cities.

FG Pushes Skills Development in Built Environment

On workforce development, Darma reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering local professionals within the built environment sector.

He revealed that approximately 2,000 young Nigerians had already received specialised training to acquire practical skills relevant to construction and urban development.

“The Ministry already trained individually about 2,000 of them to get skills in the built environment, and these young people are all over Nigeria applying what they learnt,” he said.

Minister Urges Professionals to Embrace Technology

Addressing concerns around workforce shortages and changing industry trends, Darma encouraged professionals to adopt emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.

He noted that future opportunities in planning and infrastructure development would increasingly favour professionals who adapt to digital transformation.

The minister also called for alternative funding approaches to strengthen professional institutions and support regulatory activities.

Earlier, NITP President Dr. Ogbonna Chime urged the government to fully implement the 1992 planning law, recruit new professionals, strengthen urban renewal efforts, and improve institutional funding to raise standards within the sector.

The post FG Targets Makoko, Gishiri, Others for Slum Upgrade Under Urban Renewal Plan appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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.

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A humanitarian organisation, Mater Africa, has established an emergency medical tent in Makoko, Lagos, to provide urgent healthcare and social support services to residents following recent demolitions in the riverine settlement.

The initiative, which will run for three months, is designed to address immediate medical and protection needs in one of Lagos’ most densely populated and underserved communities. Access to healthcare in Makoko has long been limited, with residents often travelling long distances or relying on informal support systems for treatment.

Emergency Response Following Displacement

The intervention follows a recent demolition exercise in Makoko’s waterfront area, which displaced several families and heightened existing vulnerabilities. Many affected residents reportedly relocated to the dry land section of the community, further straining already scarce health resources.

Speaking at the launch of the Emergency Tent on Thursday, Coordinator of the Mater Africa Makoko Project, Chioma Okafor, said the programme is structured to deliver rapid, first-line assistance to individuals and families facing urgent health, protection and social challenges.

According to Okafor, the organisation has been operating daily in the community over the past month with minimal resources, carrying out outreach activities, basic triage and direct assistance to vulnerable households.

“This opening reflects our commitment to presence, responsibility and dignity,” she said. “Makoko is a community with extraordinary resilience. Even without large-scale external support, we remain focused on delivering essential services where they are most needed.”

Multidisciplinary Medical Support

The Emergency Tent will operate daily with a multidisciplinary team led by medical personnel. Services will include organised triage, preliminary treatment, health consultations and referrals for more complex cases.

The medical doctor overseeing the outreach, Dr. Salam Ismail Wale, explained that patients will be assessed and stabilised where necessary before being referred to partner hospitals for comprehensive care.

“Early intervention is critical in preventing complications,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that urgent cases are promptly identified and managed, while maintaining dignity and respect for every patient.”

The facility will also serve as a coordination hub for community engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders, with activities prioritising medical triage, protection services and direct support to vulnerable families.

Community Partnership and Support

The emergency structure was made possible through the support of CMM – Centro Missionario Medicinali, additional Italian companies, a Nigerian partner company and private donors who contributed medical supplies and materials.

Mater Africa also acknowledged the role of the Makoko Children Development Foundation, including its school and orphanage home, for providing community access and logistical assistance for the setup.

Co-founder of the foundation, Oluwabusayomi Otubaga, described the initiative as a significant reminder that Makoko’s residents deserve equal access to healthcare and social services.

“Today is a reminder that Makoko matters — that every child, every mother, every father and every elder matters,” she said. “When a child is sick and cannot access care, it affects not only the child but the entire family.”

Healthcare Gaps in Makoko

Otubaga noted that the health situation in the community remains dire, particularly in the waterfront areas where there are no government-approved medical centres.

“On the waterfront and even on the land, there are no functional medical or health centres. Residents lack direct access to treatment,” she said. “In severe cases, families often rush to our foundation for help just to survive.”

She explained that over the years, the foundation has supported residents through pregnancies, illnesses and surgical needs with assistance from volunteer doctors and sponsors.

Although general hospitals and health centres operate in other parts of Lagos State, residents of Makoko waterfront reportedly struggle to access affordable or free public healthcare due to distance, cost and documentation challenges.

Call for Government Intervention

While welcoming the emergency response, community leaders used the occasion to renew calls for government intervention.

Otubaga appealed to the Lagos State Government and public health authorities to consider establishing at least a primary healthcare centre in Makoko.

“If a full hospital cannot be built immediately, let us begin with a health centre,” she said. “Let Makoko feel remembered and cared for.”

The three-month programme is expected to provide medical check-ups, distribute preliminary medications and facilitate referrals for specialised treatment. Residents have been encouraged to take advantage of the services within the intervention period.

A Temporary but Critical Lifeline

For many families affected by displacement and long-standing neglect, the Emergency Tent represents a temporary but crucial lifeline. Health experts involved in the project emphasised that early diagnosis and basic primary care can significantly reduce preventable complications, especially among children, pregnant women and the elderly.

As the intervention unfolds, stakeholders say sustained collaboration between humanitarian organisations, community groups and government agencies will be essential to ensuring long-term healthcare access in Makoko.

For now, the Emergency Tent stands as a visible effort to bridge urgent gaps — offering immediate relief while broader conversations about infrastructure, urban displacement and public health equity continue in Lagos.

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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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Lagos-based civil society groups have called on the state government to accelerate urban development in Makoko, warning that failure to act could endanger thousands of residents living under high-tension power lines.

The Coalition for Good Governance, comprising over 80 organisations, stressed the need for immediate evacuation and infrastructure improvements to safeguard lives and property.

Comrade Nelson Ekujumi, convener of the coalition, highlighted that previous demolitions in 2005 and 2012 were necessary for public safety, but the persistent construction of informal structures under high-voltage wires has heightened risks of fire, electrocution, and flooding.

He noted that Makoko remains one of Lagos’ most vulnerable urban settlements, home to between 80,000 and 250,000 people who largely depend on artisanal fishing and informal trade.

The coalition urged government authorities to engage transparently with residents while enforcing safety regulations. They called for fair compensation for families affected by the demolitions and warned that continued noncompliance by residents under unsafe conditions could lead to avoidable tragedies.

Ekujumi added that Makoko’s recurring demolition pattern underscores systemic planning challenges in Lagos. He urged the Lagos Assembly to expedite oversight and implementation of the urban development programme to prevent further humanitarian and environmental risks.

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate suspension of the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko and adjoining waterfront communities, while pledging compensation for residents whose properties have already been affected.

The directive was issued on Tuesday after a stakeholders’ meeting between lawmakers and representatives of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee set up by the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, Hon. Noheem Adams, announced the decision while presenting the resolutions reached at the meeting.

Adams said the Assembly resolved that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in the demolition exercise must suspend activities in the affected communities with immediate effect and until further notice.

According to him, the House also agreed that residents whose homes and properties had already been demolished would be duly compensated by the state government.

“All demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities should stop immediately. Any task force to be constituted must involve community representatives and engage them adequately,” Adams said.

He assured residents that the Assembly would ensure full compliance with the directive and monitor the process to guarantee fairness and transparency.

The Assembly’s intervention followed protests by displaced residents, as well as petitions submitted to lawmakers over the demolition exercise, which reportedly began in December 2025 and displaced several families.

Responding on behalf of the affected communities, the Baale of one of the communities, Isaac Gunmayon, thanked the Assembly for its swift intervention, describing the resolution as a source of relief and hope for residents.

He said the communities were satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and appreciated the lawmakers for listening to their grievances.

The demolition exercise has drawn criticism from human rights groups, lawyers and civil society organisations, who condemned the displacement of residents and called for a more humane approach to urban renewal.

Despite the backlash, the Lagos State Government has defended the demolition, insisting it was carried out in the interest of the waterfront communities as part of a broader regeneration plan.

The state government has also disclosed plans to spend about $10 million on the redevelopment and regeneration of the Makoko waterfront to improve living conditions and infrastructure.

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The Lagos State Government has announced a $2 million commitment to the Makoko Water Cities Project, describing it as a long-term and environmentally sustainable blueprint for regenerating the Makoko waterfront settlement.

The disclosure was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Babatunde Olajide, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The announcement comes amid public debate over recent demolitions in parts of Makoko and other waterfront communities, which the state government said are part of a broader urban renewal programme driven by safety, environmental concerns, and sustainable development goals.

Explaining the government’s approach, Olajide said Makoko remains a sensitive and globally recognised community, comprising both land-based and waterfront settlements. He noted that its international profile informed the state’s decision to adopt a more environmentally responsible regeneration model.

According to him, the state abandoned earlier plans for shoreline extension in Makoko after expert assessments showed that the option posed environmental risks.

On the Water Cities Project, Olajide said the government had committed $2 million to the initiative, describing it as the most environmentally friendly and sustainable option for the area’s redevelopment.

He explained that the project aligns with global best practices for waterfront regeneration and is being pursued in consultation with the Makoko community to ensure inclusiveness and long-term viability.

Olajide also addressed concerns over demolitions carried out in areas beneath high-tension power lines, insisting that such actions were strictly based on safety considerations and aimed at preventing loss of lives rather than punishing residents.

Beyond Makoko, the Lagos State Government highlighted several urban renewal and regeneration projects implemented across the state since 2019 as part of a consistent policy framework.

Olajide cited the relocation of Okobaba sawmill operators to Timberville as a major success story, noting that about 300 housing units were provided free of charge alongside industrial equipment worth billions of naira. He said the relocation ended frequent fire outbreaks and transformed the area into a safer and more organised industrial hub, which now hosts the permanent NYSC orientation camp.

In the area of market redevelopment, he disclosed that 21 markets across the state are currently undergoing regeneration, including Pelewura, Jankara, and Bombata markets. At Alaba-Arago, thousands of modern stalls are being constructed for original occupants, with allocation processes designed to ensure fairness and transparency.

The government has also committed approximately N1 billion to housing regeneration in Adeniji-Adele and continues to pay rent for displaced residents. In Dosunmu, Olajide said more than N1 billion was paid as compensation while the government partnered with property owners to redevelop the area.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups have raised concerns over the social impact of recent demolitions. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) reported that demolitions in Makoko and Oworonshoki displaced over 10,000 residents and affected more than 3,000 dwellings.

CAPPA alleged that while initial demolitions were limited to structures within 50 metres of power lines, the scope was later expanded to 100 metres, disproportionately affecting low-income waterfront residents who depend on fishing and small-scale trade.

Similarly, the Take It Back Movement claimed that compensation paid to verified homeowners ranged between N300,000 and N5 million, with some residents rejecting the amounts as inadequate.

The Lagos State Government first announced plans in September 2025 to remove illegal structures under high-tension power lines in Makoko, citing urgent safety concerns. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also alleged that some local and international NGOs exploited the demolitions to solicit foreign grants and aid.

According to the state, the demolitions were aimed at preventing disasters, improving safety, and protecting lives, with verified homeowners receiving palliatives and relocation stipends.

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Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has raised concerns over the conduct of security operatives during a recent protest against alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions in the Makoko waterfront area of Lagos State, accusing the police of deploying expired tear gas canisters on demonstrators.

Falana spoke at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, where he visited protesters who sustained injuries during the demonstration organised by activists Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank. The protest was aimed at drawing the attention of the Lagos State government to demolitions affecting waterfront communities.

The demonstration was initially peaceful but later turned chaotic after police operatives reportedly fired tear gas at close range, leading to injuries among protesters. The incident has drawn criticism from human rights organisations and civil society groups.

Reacting to the injuries observed at the hospital, Falana described the police action as unconstitutional and dangerous, stating that the nature of the injuries raised questions about the safety of the tear gas canisters used.

In over four decades of participating in protests across the country, Falana said he had never seen tear gas cause such severe injuries, adding that the effects observed were unusual and alarming.

At LASUTH, a burns and plastic surgery nurse, Adedeji Hassan, briefed Falana on the condition of one of the injured protesters, Kafayat Muftaudeen. He disclosed that Muftaudeen sustained a serious leg injury but was fit to be discharged and would continue treatment through regular wound dressing and weekly hospital visits before undergoing skin grafting.

Falana stressed that the 1999 Constitution guarantees Nigerians the right to peaceful assembly and expression, noting that protest organisers are only required to notify the police, not seek permission. He added that the Police Establishment Act places a duty on the police to provide protection during lawful protests.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has defended the demolition of structures in parts of Makoko, stating that the exercise was carried out to protect lives and prevent potential disasters.

Speaking at a joint ministerial press briefing in Alausa, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said many of the wooden buildings affected were erected directly beneath high-tension power lines, posing serious risks to occupants.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, Babatunde Olajide, explained that the demolition formed part of a long-term safety and redevelopment plan. He added that only structures within high-tension corridors were removed and assured that displaced residents would be compensated following ongoing enumeration.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has also summoned leaders and stakeholders from Makoko and adjoining waterfront communities to a meeting following petitions submitted over the demolition and eviction of residents. The engagement is expected to provide a platform for dialogue and resolution.

In a separate reaction, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights condemned the alleged use of force against protesters and called for independent investigations into reported killings and demolitions linked to enforcement actions across Lagos State.

The group said peaceful protest remains a constitutional right and urged authorities to pursue justice, compensation, and restoration for affected communities.

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Residents of Makoko, a densely populated waterfront community along the Lagos Lagoon, have taken to the streets to protest the demolition of their homes, accusing the Lagos State Government of violating an earlier agreement on safety setbacks around a high-tension power line.

The protest followed weeks of demolition activities that residents said began on December 22, 2025, and escalated sharply in early January 2026.

According to community members, the initial understanding with state officials was that only structures within a designated safety setback from the power line would be affected. The power line runs through Makoko and beneath sections of the Third Mainland Bridge, a critical transport corridor in Lagos.

Residents, however, allege that the demolition has gone far beyond the agreed limits, leaving hundreds displaced.

‘They went beyond the agreed 100 metres’

Messou Abayomi, a community stakeholder, said discussions held with Lagos government officials last year resulted in a phased agreement on safety boundaries.

He explained that the setback was first fixed at 30 metres, later reviewed to 50 metres, before a final agreement on a 100-metre safety setback was reached.

“They have now gone beyond the 100-metre setback. Some demolitions are reaching close to 200 metres. That was never our agreement,” Abayomi said.

“They came with caterpillars and started demolishing houses without notice. As we speak, the demolition is still ongoing.”

Residents displayed markers and flag masts they said were used to indicate the 100-metre boundary, insisting that demolition crews ignored these indicators.

Residents recount sudden displacement

Several affected residents said they received no prior notice before their homes were pulled down.

Micheline Sunnuvun, a woman in her sixties, said her home was demolished last Friday without warning, destroying her belongings and livelihood.

“I have been sleeping outside by the shore since the demolition. At night, I cover myself with clothes. Everything I depended on for survival was destroyed,” she said in Yoruba.

Another resident, Wusu John, a fisherman who has lived in Makoko for over 30 years, said he relocated from Kweme in Badagry decades ago to continue his trade.

“They told us our houses would not be touched if they were outside the setback. Now my house is gone. I don’t have anywhere to go,” he said.

John also alleged that security operatives accompanying demolition officials fired teargas to disperse residents who resisted the exercise.

Humanitarian concerns mount

When reporters visited Makoko, several residents were seen sleeping in boats, while others cooked meals beside the remains of their demolished homes. Families were observed paddling away with salvaged furniture and household items loaded into canoes.

Children, women, and the elderly were among those displaced, heightening concerns over humanitarian and environmental risks within the lagoon settlement.

Despite the ongoing demolition, economic activities such as boat making and local food processing continued in some parts of the community, underscoring residents’ dependence on the waterfront for survival.

Lagos government defends action

Reacting to the controversy, Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Urban Development Office, defended the government’s action, stating that the demolition was carried out in the interest of public safety.

Oki said the state would be held accountable if a high-tension power line collapsed into the lagoon, posing a threat to lives and infrastructure.

Demolition exercises are not new in Makoko, which has faced repeated threats of eviction over the years. Successive administrations in Lagos State have attempted to clear the settlement, citing environmental, safety, and urban planning concerns.

Protest at Lagos Assembly

On Thursday, the dispute escalated as Makoko residents stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Ikeja, demanding an immediate halt to the demolition.

The protesters appealed directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging him to intervene and protect the community from what they described as forced displacement.

Placards carried by demonstrators read:

“Save Makoko Community”,

“Shelter Is Our Right”, and

“100 Metres Is 100 Metres”.

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Civil society organisations (CSOs) and residents of Makoko, Oko Agbon, and Sogunro communities have criticised the Lagos State Government over what they describe as unlawful and forceful evictions that threaten to displace tens of thousands of people without resettlement or compensation.

The groups, operating under the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation and Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI), accused the state government of breaching court orders, Nigerian laws, and international human rights standards through the ongoing demolition exercise.

In a joint statement signed by Megan Chapman of Justice & Empowerment Initiatives, alongside Jude Ojo, Bisola Akinmuyiwa, and Kunnu Paul of the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, the organisations said the demolitions began just two days before Christmas as part of a planned clearance around high-tension powerlines running through the waterfront settlements and the Third Mainland Bridge corridor.

According to the statement, residents initially cooperated with the exercise after government officials assured community leaders that the demolition would be limited to a legally recognised 30-metre setback from the powerlines, as stipulated under Lagos State Building Control Regulations. There were also assurances that affected households would receive some form of compensation.

The first phase of demolition reportedly continued until January 3, 2026, excluding Christmas Day, displacing thousands of residents. Many families were forced to crowd into neighbouring homes or sleep in open canoes due to the sudden loss of shelter.

However, tensions escalated on January 4, 2026, when residents alleged that demolition equipment, including amphibious excavators, moved beyond the agreed 30-metre setback and began destroying homes deeper within the communities.

Community members staged protests between January 4 and 5, but were allegedly met with force by police officers attached to the demolition team. Witnesses claimed tear gas was deployed across the settlements, while some structures were set ablaze during the confrontation.

Amid the unrest, community leaders reportedly met officials at the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in Alausa, where they were informed that the clearance would extend to an additional setback of up to 100 metres or more—an action residents say has no legal backing and contradicts earlier assurances.

“As of January 9, 2026, demolitions had already gone beyond 100 metres and were still ongoing,” Chapman said, warning that while thousands have already been displaced, tens of thousands more remain at risk.

The CSOs referenced a house-numbering exercise conducted in 2020–2021 by Makoko youth groups, with support from JEI and the Federation, which estimated the population of Makoko’s four villages at over 80,000 people. The figure excludes neighbouring communities such as Oko Agbon and Sogunro, which also face potential displacement.

The organisations warned that the continued demolitions could trigger a major humanitarian crisis if urgent intervention is not taken. They called on the Lagos State Government to immediately halt further demolitions, respect court rulings, and engage affected communities through inclusive urban planning and resettlement solutions.

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