Makoko Demolitions: Lagos Denies "Anti-Poor" Agenda, Cites Safety Risks

The Lagos State Government has formally addressed the ongoing outcry following the demolition of thousands of structures in the historic Makoko waterfront community. Officials maintain that the exercise is a proactive safety measure intended to prevent "incredible disaster" rather than a punitive action against low-income earners.

The demolitions, which began in December 2025, have reportedly displaced over 10,000 residents and leveled more than 3,000 homes. Critics and human rights groups have labeled the move "class cleansing," but the state government insists the decision is rooted in public safety and environmental sustainability.

Safety Over Sentiment: The Government’s Stance

Speaking during a recent session of “Ask Lagos,” an interactive X-space engagement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, emphasized that no responsible government would allow its citizens to live in high-risk zones.

“No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways,” Omotoso stated. “The law stipulates that buildings must be 250 meters away from power lines, yet many are built directly beneath them. Imagine a line dropping into the lagoon; the disaster would be incredible.”

The Commissioner further revealed that the state has been engaging with the Makoko community for over five years regarding these setbacks, attempting to find a middle ground before enforcement began.

Urban Regeneration and e-GIS Mapping

Adding a technical perspective, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, noted that the demolitions are part of a broader "resilient megacity" blueprint.

Babatunde highlighted that the state’s e-GIS platforms now allow residents to verify zoning and setback requirements before building, which is crucial for preventing future conflicts. He pointed to the successful relocation of residents from Oko Baba to modern estates as a precedent for how the state intends to handle urban migration and displacement.

Controversy and Resident Allegations

Despite the government's defense, the reality on the ground remains tense. Reports indicate that security personnel utilized bulldozers and tear gas during the operations, resulting in injuries and the destruction of essential community infrastructure, including schools and clinics.

Some residents allege that the safety narrative is a "pretext" for land grabbing, suggesting that the waterfront is being cleared to make way for high-end private real estate developments. The government has denied these claims, urging residents to focus on "facts rather than speculation."

The Real Estate Implication

For property stakeholders in Lagos, the Makoko situation underscores the increasing enforcement of urban master plans in 2026. As the state moves toward a $1 trillion economy, the enforcement of "Right of Way" (ROW) for power lines and drainage systems is becoming non-negotiable.