Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Lagos State Government to prioritise the development of the Makoko waterfront for the benefit of residents rather than pursuing demolition exercises.

Call for inclusive development

Falana stressed that instead of displacing residents, the government should adopt a people-centered development approach that integrates the existing community into urban planning.

According to him, Makoko, widely regarded as one of Lagos’ most unique waterfront settlements, holds economic and cultural value that should be preserved and improved.

He argued that transforming the area into a properly planned waterfront community would create jobs, boost tourism, and improve living conditions for thousands of residents.

Concerns over demolitions

The senior advocate criticised ongoing demolition activities in waterfront communities, noting that such actions often leave residents homeless without adequate resettlement plans.

Makoko, a densely populated coastal settlement, has long faced repeated demolition threats, with authorities citing environmental and safety concerns. 

Falana maintained that forced evictions without alternative housing violate fundamental human rights and worsen poverty among vulnerable populations.

He urged the government to comply with legal frameworks and court rulings that protect citizens from unlawful displacement.

Economic potential of Makoko

Highlighting the economic opportunities within the community, Falana said Makoko’s strategic location along the Lagos lagoon makes it ideal for sustainable waterfront development.

He noted that with proper infrastructure, the area could support fishing, tourism, and small-scale enterprises, contributing significantly to Lagos’ economy.

Rather than viewing the settlement as an “eyesore,” he advised authorities to harness its potential through structured urban renewal initiatives.

Need for dialogue and policy reform

Falana called for meaningful engagement between the government and residents, insisting that development policies must be inclusive and transparent.

He emphasised the importance of dialogue, proper planning, and investment in basic amenities such as housing, sanitation, and education.

The legal expert concluded that developing Makoko in a sustainable manner would align with global urban development standards while protecting the rights and livelihoods of its inhabitants.

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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 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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