The Lagos State Government has defended the recent
demolitions in Makoko and other waterfront communities, insisting the exercise
was carried out for security, safety, and environmental reasons.
Government officials made the clarification during Ask
Lagos, a weekly X-space discussion designed to foster engagement between
the state government and residents.
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner for
Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, alongside the Special Adviser to the
Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, said the
demolitions were necessary steps toward building a safer and more sustainable
megacity.
Omotoso dismissed criticisms describing the exercise
as “anti-poor” and “unnecessary,” stressing that the actions were guided by
public safety concerns, environmental protection, and security risks.
According to him, illegal structures erected beneath
high-tension power lines and along critical waterways pose grave dangers to
lives and infrastructure.
“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.”
Addressing claims that residents were not given
adequate notice, Omotoso said the government had engaged affected communities
for more than five years.
“The law stipulates that buildings must be at least
250 metres away from power lines, but structures were built directly under
them,” he said. “Imagine a power line falling into the lagoon — the
consequences would be catastrophic.”
He added that community leaders had appealed for a
reduction of the setback requirement from 100 metres to 50 metres.
Babatunde, drawing from his expertise in e-GIS mapping
and urban planning, explained that the demolitions form part of a broader urban
regeneration plan aimed at transforming Lagos into a resilient and
investment-friendly megacity.
He cited the relocation of residents from Oko Baba to
purpose-built housing estates as an example of previous government
interventions, noting that hundreds of housing units with modern amenities had
been provided.
“Decisions like this are based on master plans, safety
codes, and environmental standards, not on whims,” Babatunde said, urging
residents and developers to adhere strictly to planning regulations.
During the discussion, some participants raised
concerns over alleged casualties, use of force, lack of compensation, unclear
relocation timelines, and the emotional toll on displaced residents.
Responding, Omotoso acknowledged the pain caused by
the demolitions but urged restraint. “We understand the pain this causes, but
speculation only fuels division. Let us focus on facts and collaborative
solutions,” he said.
Babatunde added that tools such as the state’s e-GIS
platforms allow residents to verify zoning and setback requirements in advance,
which could help prevent future conflicts.
However, some non-governmental organisations and
residents have described the demolitions as “class cleansing,” arguing that
safety regulations were used as a pretext for land grabbing.
Makoko, a historic waterfront settlement with an
estimated population of over 100,000, has witnessed the destruction of more
than 3,000 homes since December 2025, displacing over 10,000 residents.
Residents allege that the operations, which reportedly
involved armed security personnel, tear gas, and bulldozers, led to deaths,
injuries, and the destruction of schools, clinics, and places of worship —
claims the government has yet to officially confirm.
Comments:
Leave a Reply