Makoko residents decry ‘broken promises’ as demolitions extend beyond agreed safety setbacks

By Ehichoya Omo-Imhanfiabor

Residents of Makoko, the historic waterfront community located along the Lagos Lagoon, staged a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, accusing state authorities of carrying out demolitions far beyond the safety limits earlier agreed with the community.

The protesters said they were initially informed that the demolition exercise would be restricted to structures located within 30 metres of high-tension power lines around the Third Mainland Bridge, citing safety concerns.

However, community leaders and civil society group, the Community Action Platform for People’s Advancement (CAPPA), alleged that the exercise has since been extended far beyond the agreed boundary.

According to the residents, officials involved in the exercise have demolished homes as far as 100 to 200 metres from the power lines, leaving many families displaced and without prior notice.

“They have gone beyond a 100-metre setback. They are even extending it to 200 metres. They lied to us,” said Zikora Ibeh of CAPPA while addressing journalists during the protest.

Hundreds of affected residents, including women and youths, marched to the Assembly complex carrying placards appealing to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene. Some of the placards read, “Please hear our cry, limit demolition to 100 metres,” and “Spare our homes, save our families.”

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The demonstrators were received by Ogundipe S. Olukayode, who represented the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He appealed for calm, formally received the community’s complaints, and assured the protesters that their grievances would be tabled before the full House for deliberation.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Makoko spokesman, Mr. Jude Ojo, urged government officials to reconsider the demolition exercise and engage affected residents in dialogue.

He reminded authorities of Makoko’s long-standing political relevance and support during past elections, stressing that residents deserved fairness and protection rather than displacement.

The protest has once again highlighted the growing tension between urban renewal initiatives, public safety regulations, and the rights of long-standing communities in Lagos.

While the state government has justified the demolitions on safety grounds, the expansion of the exercise beyond the originally stated 30-metre setback has fueled accusations of overreach, lack of transparency, and broken promises.

As the situation unfolds, Makoko residents say they are awaiting concrete action from the government to halt further demolitions, review the scope of the exercise, and address the humanitarian concerns arising from the displacement of affected families.