Residents of waterfront communities in Lagos, including Makoko, along with civil society organizations, have voiced strong objections to the Lagos State House of Assembly's suggestion to resettle families displaced by demolitions into a proposed low-cost housing estate in Agbowa, Epe.
On Thursday, community representatives conveyed to PREMIUM TIMES their concerns, pointing out that there had been no previous discussions or consensus regarding relocation during meetings with lawmakers after the demolition of homes in their area.
Iroko Temitope, the leader of the Makoko Community Youth Association, conveyed that many residents were surprised by the claim that an agreement had been reached regarding their relocation.
"That assertion is inaccurate. No agreement was established with us about moving residents anywhere," he emphasized. "We appointed a committee for community representation, but that committee was unaware of any relocation decision. If they are not informed, then no conclusion was reached."
In addition, Kojah Phinehas, president of the Makoko Students Association and a school teacher, echoed these sentiments, dismissing the suggestion that there had been consensus on relocation during community consultations.
"Multiple meetings took place, yet relocation was never part of our discussions," he stated. "We were assured our concerns would be communicated to the assembly members who would discuss them and revert back to us."
Activists have criticized the proposed relocation, stating it contradicts the desires of the residents. Human rights advocate Hassan Taiwo, commonly referred to as Soweto, mentioned that the people of Makoko have consistently called for compensation for their lost homes and livelihoods, as well as for their inclusion in any redevelopment plans.
"Throughout communication with authorities, the community did not ask for relocation," Mr. Taiwo remarked. "They seek compensation for demolitions and the impacts they have suffered, as well as involvement in the Makoko developmental project."
He highlighted that relocating individuals to distant communities could jeopardize their livelihoods and disrupt their social structures.
"The residents of Makoko deserve development, but they should not be moved in the process," he clarified. "They have lived there for generations, establishing their community with minimal governmental support. If there are to be developments in their area, they should be the first to reap the benefits."
Zikora Ibeh, the assistant executive director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), alleged that the government's proposal embodies a broader agenda to clear the waterfront area of its residents.
"It is now glaringly evident that the Lagos State Government aims to evacuate the inhabitants of Makoko, and it appears they are committed to achieving this goal by any means available," Ms. Ibeh stated.
She noted that the demolition initiative led to the displacement of thousands and sparked protests across the area.
According to her, the Assembly's relocation proposition does not align with any agreements made with the Makoko community.
"There was never a definitive agreement between the House of Assembly and the residents of Makoko regarding relocation," she insisted, advocating for the establishment of an independent panel composed of community representatives, civil society organizations, legal specialists, and urban planners to investigate the overarching trends of forced evictions in Lagos and suggest rights-based solutions.
In a related context, the Lagos State House of Assembly had earlier recommended relocating individuals displaced by the demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Sogunro to Agbowa, Epe, as per a report from its Committee on Rules and Business, headed by Noheem Adams.
The report indicated that the government demolitions conducted in late December 2025 and early January displaced thousands, destroying homes and valuable property, with many residents depending on fishing, which necessitates proximity to the waterfront.
"The demolitions have exacerbated living conditions in Makoko and its surroundings, leading to environmental issues, health risks, and safety concerns," the committee noted.
Additionally, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared plans to inject approximately $10 million into revitalizing Makoko, with a proposed ‘water city’ project aimed at modernizing this traditional fishing settlement.
Support measures, including a provision of N20 million for food aid to affected residents, have also been allocated. Earlier in February, the assembly had ordered a cease to further demolitions following discussions with community stakeholders, citing disputes regarding setback measurements along the waterfront.
Some residents have alleged that the demolition activity exceeded the initially indicated 30-meter setback, extending several hundred meters in specific areas, a claim the government has denied.
The government has defended the demolition actions, labeling them essential for safeguarding lives, public infrastructure, and environmental integrity.
State officials contended that structures along significant waterways and beneath high-voltage power lines pose threats to safety, remarks made during community discussions on Ask Lagos, a weekly forum aimed at engaging residents.
Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, cautioned that regulations require buildings to adhere to designated setbacks, warning that incidents involving live wires or waterways could lead to large-scale catastrophes.
Moreover, Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, stated that the demolitions are a component of a wider urban regeneration strategy to uphold planning standards and enhance the resilience of Lagos.
On Tuesday, Nigerian architect Folasope Pinheiro from the London-based firm Greig and Stephenson underscored that the escalating housing crisis in Lagos, combined with the recent demolitions in Makoko, could displace numerous residents.
In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Pinheiro remarked that Lagos' growing population is surpassing housing development, leading many into informal settlements such as Makoko, a community renowned for its historic fishing culture, often described as the 'Venice of Africa,' with homes built on stilts over the lagoon, accommodating six to ten residents per household.
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