Nigerians Raise Concerns Over Rising Wave of Demolitions
Property owners across several Nigerian cities are voicing alarm over widespread demolitions that have displaced residents, shuttered businesses, and raised legal and policy questions about land governance in the country.
In Imo State, engineer Bernard Nzerem is contesting the July demolition of his ₦2.2 billion property in Naze, despite presenting a Certificate of Occupancy and Power of Attorney. “This was not just a building. It was my entire life’s sweat,” he said.
Similar incidents have occurred in Lagos, where residents of Oworonshoki were displaced after bulldozers moved in overnight. Community leader Balogun Jamiu said the operation caught them off guard, while displaced tenant Afeez Ayeni noted that rents in the area have since doubled. In Kano, more than 40 homes were demolished in Rimin Zakara village, reportedly leaving casualties. In Port Harcourt, staff of the Bayelsa Liaison Office were evicted following a property dispute between state governments.
Experts Question Enforcement and Planning
Industry professionals argue that the recurring demolitions highlight deeper structural and governance gaps. Property consultant Andrew Osarhieme criticised the government’s reactive approach, stating: “Where is the government when the foundation was being laid?”
While the Lagos State Building Control Agency has maintained that demolitions are carried out to protect lives and enforce urban planning standards, critics contend that many homeowners are not provided adequate notice.
A recent Abuja High Court ruling declared some demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory unlawful and awarded ₦200 million in damages to affected owners.
Legal and Human Rights Dimensions
Legal experts warn that the trend undermines property rights. Property lawyer Mathias Egem said demolitions, often conducted without sufficient due process, amount to violations of constitutional protections. He added that such actions are sometimes deployed as political tools.
“Many Nigerians commit their life savings to building homes, only for them to be pulled down in disputes that could have been prevented with clearer policies,” Egem noted. He called for harmonised land and property laws, stronger safeguards against land grabbing, and improved institutional checks.
Looking Ahead
The demolition wave underscores Nigeria’s longstanding challenges with urban planning, land regulation, and governance transparency. Without coordinated reforms to address inconsistent enforcement, overlapping laws, and political interference, experts caution that the cycle of displacement, litigation, and economic loss will continue.
For investors, developers, and policymakers, the issue highlights the urgent need for a predictable regulatory environment that balances public safety with the protection of property rights an essential foundation for sustainable urban growth.
