NEWS & POLITICS
Thousands displaced as Lagos demolitions hit Makoko waterfront community
Thousands of families have been displaced following renewed demolitions in Makoko, one of Nigeria's oldest waterfront fishing communities, reigniting long-standing concerns over forced evictions, urban renewal, and housing rights in Africa's largest city.
Michael Oduor
LAGOS, Nigeria | (Running Africa) — The Lagos State Government says residents were issued a two-year evacuation notice, instructing those living within 100 meters of power infrastructure to vacate the area. Officials maintain the demolitions are part of safety-driven urban planning measures as Lagos continues to expand into a major megacity.
On the ground, however, residents describe a far more devastating reality. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, schools bulldozed, and fishing livelihoods wiped out, leaving thousands homeless. Community members have condemned the operation as a gross injustice that disproportionately affects the urban poor.
Government Cites Safety and Infrastructure Concerns
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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the affected structures were built dangerously close to high-tension power lines, posing serious safety risks.
"A lot of people have built shanties under the high-tension wire, and the regulation is that you need to clear between 150 and 250 meters away," Sanwo-Olu told local media. "We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko; we are clearing the shanties so they do not reach the Third Mainland Bridge and remain behind the high-tension lines."
The governor said the action was necessary to protect lives and preserve critical infrastructure as Lagos grapples with rapid population growth.
Residents Reject Official Narrative, Allege Land Grab
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Makoko residents have strongly disputed the government's explanation, alleging that the stated safety demarcations are being used as a pretext for a broader land acquisition scheme.
Community leaders claim authorities intend to replace the waterfront settlement with a high-rise residential estate, accusing the state of prioritizing commercial development over the welfare of long-standing fishing families.
The latest demolitions have reopened painful memories of earlier crackdowns. High Chief Baale Shemede Emmanuel said Makoko has faced repeated displacement threats over the past decade.
"The first demolition started during the administration of former governor Babatunde Fashola in 2012, when we were given just 24 hours to vacate," he said.
Unconfirmed Death Toll as Homes and Livelihoods Are Lost
The community alleges that at least 12 people have died during the latest demolition exercise, though authorities have yet to confirm any fatalities. Numerous homes, boats, and schools have been destroyed, dealing a severe blow to families whose lives depend on lagoon-based fishing and informal trade.
As tensions rise, the Makoko demolitions are once again drawing national and international attention to Lagos's approach to urban development, and the human cost borne by its most vulnerable communities.
