Lagos State House of Assembly halts Makoko demolitions, ensuring redevelopment and compensation for residents affected by urban renewal plans

The Lagos State House of Assembly has halted further demolitions in Makoko, directing all ministries and agencies to suspend activities immediately, Lagos, Nigeria, 3 February 2026.

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The decision follows a meeting with residents affected by recent demolition exercises in Makoko, Oworonshoki, Oko-Afon and Shogunro communities.

Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Makoko Demolition, Noheem Adams, led the meeting, assuring residents that Assembly members would conduct on-the-spot assessments to determine the setbacks enforced by government authorities.

Adams also confirmed the election of community leaders to a task force overseeing the redevelopment plan.

The Assembly expressed displeasure with the Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye, for distributing food palliatives, emphasising that affected residents’ immediate need was shelter, not temporary relief.

Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, clarified that the government had no intention of erasing Makoko, describing the halt in demolition as part of an ongoing regeneration plan.

Babatunde confirmed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had allocated $2 million for Makoko’s development, assuring residents that the community would remain a vital part of Lagos State.

Residents welcomed the decision, with community leaders stating their preference to engage directly with the government rather than through non-governmental organisations.

They appealed for a complete stop to all demolition activities.

Lagos State officials explained that the demolitions targeted structures built within 100 metres of high-tension transmission lines crossing the lagoon, citing safety and urban renewal as primary motivations.

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The Assembly’s decisive intervention highlights a commitment to balancing urban development with community welfare, demonstrating proactive governance in addressing citizen concerns during large-scale infrastructure projects.