Residents of Lagos waterfront communities, particularly in Makoko, have spoken out against government-led demolitions that have destroyed homes, schools, churches, and businesses with little warning. Many families say they were given no guidance on where to relocate, leaving them displaced and struggling to survive.
Evangelist Isaac, 75, recounted the chaos. “They said we should clear buildings 30 metres from the power lines, so we did. But then they extended it to 100 metres and now 200 metres. They don’t give us any notice. They may come tomorrow or the next day and start removing people from their homes,” he said. Many residents have since been forced to sleep on boats or in makeshift shelters.
Ayinde Roderick, a youth leader in Makoko, described the wider disruption. “All schools have been closed. People have not been going to church. There is fear on people’s faces,” he said. Some families dismantled their own structures in an effort to salvage materials before bulldozers arrived.
Israel Idowu, another community representative, accused officials of overstepping the agreed boundaries. “We demarcated 30 metres. They demolished the 30 metres. Then they moved forward again… but now it is beyond even 30 metres,” he said, calling the demolitions unfair and unpredictable.
Civil society groups have also condemned the exercise. Betty Abah, Executive Director of CEE‑HOPE Nigeria, highlighted the human cost, including the reported death of a newborn baby during the operation. “This community deserves the very best of protection from the government, but it is unfortunate that the same government facilitated his death,” she said.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN described the demolitions as illegal and in contempt of court orders protecting waterfront communities. He called the actions a “brazen display of executive impunity” and urged the Lagos State Government to halt the demolitions immediately.
The Lagos State Government, however, defended the operation, insisting it is necessary for public safety, environmental protection, and urban renewal. Officials said notices had been issued over time and that the exercise is preventive, not punitive.
Thousands of displaced residents are now appealing for clear relocation plans, compensation, and protection of their dignity and livelihoods as the demolitions continue.
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