The Lagos State Government has defended the demolition of structures in Makoko and other waterfront communities, describing the action as a necessary measure to protect lives and property.
Government officials made the defence during Ask Lagos, a weekly X-space discussion designed to engage residents on governance issues. Participants at the session included the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Abiodun Babatunde.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the demolitions in Makoko and similar communities, the officials said the exercise was carried out for security, environmental, and safety reasons, and forms part of broader efforts to make Lagos a safer and more sustainable megacity.
The demolitions have attracted widespread criticism, with some residents and civil society groups describing the action as “anti-poor” and “unnecessary.” Omotoso rejected those claims, insisting that the government’s decision was driven by public safety concerns, particularly the risks posed by illegal structures erected beneath high-tension power lines and along critical waterways.
“No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways,” Omotoso said. “These actions are not punitive. They are preventive, to protect lives, avert disasters, and secure the future of Lagos.”
Responding to allegations that residents were not given adequate notice before the demolitions, Omotoso said the government had engaged affected communities for several years. He explained that existing laws require buildings to be located at least 250 metres away from power lines, adding that many of the demolished structures were built directly under them.
“The government has been engaging them for over five years. The law stipulates that buildings must be 250 metres away from power lines, but they are built under the power lines, and no government will accept that. Imagine one line dropping into the lagoon. The disaster will be incredible,” he said.
According to Omotoso, some residents had appealed for the setback requirement to be reduced from 100 metres to 50 metres.
Babatunde, speaking from the perspective of urban planning and e-GIS mapping, said the demolitions were part of a long-term urban regeneration strategy aimed at transforming Lagos into a resilient and investment-friendly city. He cited previous relocation efforts, including the movement of residents from Oko Baba to purpose-built housing estates with modern facilities.
“Hundreds of housing units have been provided by the state, ensuring that those affected aren’t left without options,” Babatunde said, stressing that the government’s actions are guided by master plans, safety standards, and environmental benchmarks rather than arbitrary decisions.
He urged residents and developers to comply with planning regulations to avoid future conflicts. “We must follow regulations to avoid these situations; urban development is about building sustainably for the future,” he said.
During the discussion, some participants raised concerns about alleged casualties, the use of force by security personnel, lack of compensation, unclear relocation timelines, and the emotional toll of the demolitions on affected families.
In response, Omotoso said, “We understand the pain this causes, but speculation only fuels division. Let’s focus on facts and collaborative solutions.”
Babatunde added that tools such as the e-GIS platform enable residents to check zoning and setback requirements in advance, which he said could help prevent similar disputes in the future.
Despite these assurances, some non-governmental organisations and residents have described the demolitions as “class cleansing.” Government officials, however, maintain that failing to act would expose residents to disasters that could be more devastating than displacement.
Makoko, a historic waterfront settlement estimated to house over 100,000 people, has been severely affected by the demolitions. Since December 2025, more than 3,000 homes have reportedly been destroyed, displacing over 10,000 residents.
Residents allege that the operations involved armed security personnel, tear gas, and bulldozers, leading to deaths, injuries, and the destruction of schools, clinics, and places of worship. They also claim that safety regulations are being used as a pretext to seize land for private development interests.
