Sanwo-Olu Accuses NGOs of Exploiting Makoko Demolition for Financial Gain
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has accused various local and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) of exploiting the ongoing demolition and displacement in the Makoko waterfront community to attract donor funding. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the Governor alleged that these organisations use the imagery of the crisis to raise significant capital from international donors without delivering tangible benefits to the affected residents.
Allegations of Financial Exploitation
Governor Sanwo-Olu categorised the actions of certain NGOs as a profit driven enterprise rather than humanitarian service. According to the Governor, these entities leverage the emotional weight of the Makoko demolition to secure grants and donations from global partners. He asserted that the Lagos State Government has observed a disconnect between the volume of funds raised by these organisations and the actual support provided to the displaced population on the ground.
The Governor emphasised that while the state remains committed to its urban renewal agenda, the narrative surrounding the displacement is being controlled by interests that benefit financially from the persistence of the crisis. He challenged these organisations to provide transparent accounts of how the funds collected in the name of Makoko residents are being utilised.
The Rationale for Urban Renewal
Addressing the core of the state's actions, Sanwo-Olu defended the removal of structures in Makoko as a necessary measure for public safety and environmental sustainability. The Lagos State Government maintains that the informal settlements pose significant health risks and impede the state's master plan for waterfront management and drainage.
The Governor clarified that the administration's goal is to transform the area into a structured environment that aligns with the "Greater Lagos" vision. He noted that the proliferation of shanties on the water not only violates building codes but also creates security vulnerabilities that the state can no longer ignore.
State Led Mitigation and Response
In response to criticisms regarding the welfare of displaced persons, the Governor stated that the government is focused on long-term solutions rather than the "short term fixes" often proposed by external observers. He indicated that the state is open to genuine partnerships but will remain vigilant against entities that seek to undermine government policy for private gain.
Sanwo-Olu further noted that the state is exploring resettlement options and social intervention programmes designed to integrate the displaced residents into more formal housing and economic sectors. However, he insisted that such progress is often hampered by the intervention of NGOs that encourage residents to remain in hazardous conditions to maintain the visibility of the "crisis" for fundraising purposes.
The allegations raised by Governor Sanwo-Olu introduce a complex layer to the ongoing debate over urban redevelopment in Lagos. By questioning the motives of humanitarian actors, the state government is shifting the focus toward the accountability of the third sector in urban crises. As the demolition exercise proceeds, the relationship between the Lagos State Government and the NGO community will likely face increased scrutiny, necessitating a transparent dialogue to ensure that the interests of the vulnerable residents are prioritized over political and financial interests.
