Lagos Assembly demands halt to Makoko demolitions, pledges compensation

The Lagos State Assembly has met with residents of Makoko affected by recent demolitions and asked government ministries to stop the exercise in the area.

The meeting, led by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, aimed to address issues from the Makoko and Oworonshoki demolitions. Adams, who also chairs the House Committee on Makoko Demolition, directed all ministries and agencies involved to halt demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Afon, and Shogunro.

He assured residents that assembly members will visit the area to assess the situation firsthand. Community leaders will also be elected to serve on a Taskforce Committee to work with the government.

Adams emphasized that the state government will continue to protect lives and property and take safety concerns seriously.

The assembly criticized the Chairman of Yaba Local Council, Bayo Adefuye, for distributing food to displaced residents, saying shelter was more urgent than palliative aid at that time.

Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, explained that the government has been engaging the Makoko community on its regeneration plan. He confirmed that the government has no plan to remove the community and that demolitions have been stopped.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has allocated $2 million for Makoko’s development, and residents affected by the demolitions will be compensated.

Some community leaders said they no longer want NGOs to represent them and are ready to negotiate directly with the government.

Officials said the demolitions were necessary for safety and urban renewal. Structures built within 100 meters of transmission lines over the lagoon were marked for removal.