The Lagos State House of Assembly has stepped in amid rising tensions over planned demolition activities in the Makoko community, vowing that affected residents will be compensated fairly if demolition ultimately goes ahead. The announcement provides a significant boost to residents who have been worried about losing their homes and livelihoods without adequate redress.
At a plenary session in Alausa, Ikeja, lawmakers resolved that no demolition should proceed without a clear compensation framework in place. Members of the Assembly emphasised that the rights of Makoko residents must be protected and that any urban renewal initiative should not result in injustice or displacement without support.
The Assembly’s pledge follows widespread concerns and criticism from human rights groups, community leaders and civil society organisations, who had warned that earlier demolition plans risked leaving hundreds of families homeless. Makoko, known for its stilt-built homes along the Lagos Lagoon, is one of the city’s oldest waterfront settlements and home to a vibrant community that has existed for generations.
Speakers at the Assembly noted that the community’s cultural and historical significance must be considered, and that residents who may lose homes, businesses or structures to demolition should receive adequate compensation and resettlement support. This could include financial recompense, alternative housing solutions and project-specific benefits to help families transition to new living conditions.
Leaders within Makoko welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step toward inclusive and humane redevelopment. “This is a relief for many of us,” one community elder said. “People were afraid of losing everything without any support. This pledge gives us hope that our lives and histories matter.”
The Assembly also urged the Lagos State Government to engage directly with Makoko stakeholders, including market associations, youth groups, women’s organisations and traditional leaders, to finalise a detailed compensation plan before any further action is taken. Officials emphasised that development should be community-driven, not imposed, ensuring that residents are part of the planning and benefit from any future improvements.
Makoko’s future has been a subject of debate for years, with previous demolition threats drawing national and international attention. Advocates have consistently called for a balanced approach that improves infrastructure, sanitation and living conditions without uprooting the long-established community.
With the Assembly’s pledge now on record, attention will turn to how the state government responds and whether a formal compensation policy for Makoko residents will be developed, agreed and implemented in the coming weeks.
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