Bukola Adebayo, a West Africa Correspondent for Thomson Reuters Foundation, has expressed concerns that forced demolitions occurring across Lagos State are causing significant hardship, including the displacement of families, disruption to children's education, and a stark illumination of the city's worsening housing crisis.
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Sunday, Adebayo, who has been reporting on demolitions in Lagos since 2016, stated that these actions often lack a compassionate approach and do not align with international standards for relocation and resettlement.
Adebayo underscored that evictions worldwide are expected to adhere to established international practices, which include providing ample notice, engaging in consultations with affected residents, arranging suitable resettlement options, and offering compensation for lost property and infrastructure.
She cautioned that the consequences of demolitions reach beyond the immediate loss of homes, as the destruction of community assets like schools and places of worship can severely impact children's access to education.
Addressing claims by Lagos officials suggesting that foreign-funded non- governmental organisations are instigating protests, Adebayo indicated that international and local NGO advocacy likely played a role in eliciting responses from the governor and relevant commissioners on the matter.
Adebayo observed that external attention, often amplified by international media coverage, has historically prompted governmental action on such issues, referencing past protests in waterfront communities in other West African nations.
She drew parallels with waterfront communities in The Gambia and other parts of West Africa, noting that Nigeria is not unique in having such settlements.
Adebayo mentioned that international bodies like UN-Habitat exist to support marginalised populations globally and collaborate with NGOs to implement interventions in various countries.
She stressed that affordable urban housing in Lagos remains out of reach for a large segment of the population, including professionals in middle-income brackets. Adebayo noted that many individuals are struggling to find accommodation due to escalating rental costs.
Elaborating on the affordability issue, Adebayo shared an account of a significant rent increase, from 1.5 million naira to 4.5 million naira, with a short payment deadline. She highlighted that this challenge affects not only the poorest but also middle-class residents, some of whom are resorting to extreme measures like sleeping on boats.
Adebayo criticised the current planning methods employed by the government and urged authorities to incorporate resettlement strategies before proceeding with evictions.
She suggested that alternative locations, such as areas in Badagry, could potentially offer waterfront development opportunities akin to Makoko, while still safeguarding residents' livelihoods. Adebayo proposed that such options should be part of consultations, alongside discussions on compensation and resettlement, which must be integrated from the outset.
Concerning legal and property rights, Adebayo pointed out that long-term residents, including non-Nigerians, face obstacles in acquiring land, rendering them vulnerable to repeated displacement.
She questioned the notion that individuals residing in Nigeria for extended periods, perhaps 40 years, should be denied land ownership based on their nationality.
Adebayo also contended that the opportunity to buy land should not be restricted solely to expatriates, especially when foreign nationals, like those from China, are actively purchasing land.
Adebayo advocated for urban planning that balances urban development with social justice, recalling the demolitions in Otodogbame and questioning what has replaced the informal settlements.
She posed critical questions about whether Lagos is intended to be exclusive, excluding essential workers like carpenters and plumbers.
She further stressed the importance of the government gathering accurate data on residents before initiating demolition or eviction processes, stating there is no justification for lacking such information.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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