For residents of Makoko in Lagos, the trauma of demolition has left deep scars. Weeks after their homes were razed, families are still grappling with the loss of property, livelihoods, and access to education. Many have been forced to sleep in boats, exposed to harsh weather, while some children have stopped attending school.
Following mounting tensions, the Lagos State House of Assembly stepped in, ordering an immediate stop to the demolition of waterfront structures. The directive came during a stakeholders’ meeting between Assembly members and Makoko residents, offering hope to thousands affected by the government’s earlier operations.
Residents shared harrowing stories of their experiences. Mrs. Juliana, a mother of ten, revealed that two of her children are hospitalised and her family has been living on boats since losing their home. Prof. Senayo Olaoluwa, spokesman for the Eegu General Assembly, warned that ongoing demolitions could threaten the survival of entire riverine communities. Other residents described protests met with tear gas, injuries, and arrests.
The Assembly’s ad-hoc committee, led by Mr. Noheem Adams, instructed all ministries to halt demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities until further notice. They also called for a taskforce with meaningful representation from the affected communities to oversee future actions, assuring residents that compensation would be provided for destroyed properties.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Urban Renewal, Dr. Babatunde Olajide, confirmed that the government had allocated $2 million since 2021 for Makoko waterfront redevelopment and plans to develop a modern water city. Community leaders expressed satisfaction with the Assembly’s intervention, praising the renewed dialogue and assurances of compensation.
The move marks a critical step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis in Makoko, restoring hope to residents who have endured months of displacement and uncertainty.
