— Says intervention driven by public safety and urban renewal
— Discloses $2m committed since 2021 for Makoko waterfront redevelopment
The Lagos State Government has defended the recent demolition exercise in Makoko, explaining that the action was part of a broader statewide safety and environmental policy designed to prevent disasters associated with unsafe settlements, fire outbreaks and high-risk infrastructure locations.
The State Government made the clarification on Monday during a press conference addressed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa.
Dr. Babatunde, who was joined by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile; and other senior officials, said the intervention in Makoko was primarily motivated by the need to safeguard lives, particularly in areas located close to high-tension power lines.
He stressed that the Lagos State Government remains committed to improving living conditions in vulnerable communities while maintaining a balance between development, environmental protection and public safety.
According to him, similar clearance exercises have been carried out in other parts of the state following fatal incidents caused by fallen power cables, noting that Makoko was not singled out for enforcement.
“Clearing high-tension corridors is a safety requirement across Lagos State. The action taken in Makoko is consistent with what has been done in other communities,” Dr. Babatunde said.
He disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu administration had earmarked $2 million since 2021 for the redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront in line with international standards, assuring that affected residents would be adequately compensated.
Dr. Babatunde explained that the state government had earlier explored several redevelopment options for Makoko, including a shoreline extension project. However, the proposal was abandoned after environmental impact assessments by technical experts, construction firms and international partners revealed significant ecological risks to the lagoon and surrounding marine ecosystem.
He said the government has since adopted the Water City Project as a more sustainable alternative, which allows the fishing community to remain in place while addressing sanitation, infrastructure and environmental challenges.
“We need to do what is necessary. If we fail to act, we endanger lives. However, such actions must be systematic and in line with international conventions,” he said.
Dr. Babatunde added that a United Nations delegation visited Makoko in 2021 and expressed willingness to support the state’s redevelopment efforts. He said the Governor subsequently set up a committee, and consultations held in cities including Cairo and Washington culminated in the commitment of funds for the project.
“Mr. Governor committed $2 million for the redevelopment of the community, and we were expecting about $8 million in counterpart funding from the United Nations. However, global funding challenges have affected the availability of such resources, which is why the state is now calling on donor agencies, the international community and corporate organisations within and outside Nigeria to support the initiative,” he said.
Justifying the government’s regeneration approach, Dr. Babatunde cited previous urban renewal projects in Okobaba, Adeniji-Adele and Dosunmu, which he said were successfully executed through consultations, negotiated agreements and compensation for affected residents and traders.
He recalled that residents of Okobaba were relocated to Agbowa, where about 300 housing units and operational equipment worth billions of naira were provided, describing the project as a long-standing challenge resolved under the current administration.
Dr. Babatunde also pointed to recurring fire incidents, building collapses and limited access for emergency services in densely populated settlements as critical reasons for enforcing building codes, minimum setbacks and land pooling in regeneration areas.
He said the state is aligning its urban development policies with international standards that guarantee the right to adequate and safe shelter, noting that unsafe housing conditions ultimately pose greater risks to residents.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, acknowledged citizens’ constitutional right to protest but cautioned that such actions must be carried out responsibly and without infringing on the rights of others.
He said protests should not obstruct public roads or disrupt essential activities such as commuting and access to medical services, emphasising the importance of public order in a densely populated city like Lagos.
“Protest is a fundamental human right, and the government will not stifle free speech. However, the right to protest should not impinge on the rights of other citizens. People are entitled to their emotions, but there are facts and figures that must be considered,” Omotoso said.
