Lagos Assembly orders halt to Makoko demolition

• Lagos State House of Assembly directs immediate suspension of demolitions in Makoko and surrounding waterfront communities.
• Residents whose properties were destroyed are to be compensated.
• Demolition task forces must involve community members in future operations.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate stop to the demolition of structures in Makoko and adjoining waterfront communities within the Yaba Local Government Area. The resolution followed a meeting between Assembly representatives and community leaders at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

Noheem Adams, chairman of the ad hoc committee established by the Assembly Speaker, announced that all ministries and agencies responsible for the demolition in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities must suspend the exercise until further notice.

Compensation for affected Makoko residents

Adams further stated that residents whose properties had already been destroyed will be compensated. He emphasized that any future task forces set up for demolitions must involve residents in planning and execution.

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“As your representatives, we assure you that the demolition will be stopped and that all those whose properties have been demolished will be compensated,” he said.

Communities welcome Assembly intervention

Isaac Gunmayon, Baale of one of the affected communities, expressed gratitude to the Assembly for its intervention. He noted that the meeting allowed the communities to voice their concerns and ensured that their wishes were reflected in the decisions taken.

“They called us to come and explain what exactly happened, and we discussed everything. Whatever the House has decided reflects our wishes, and we are very happy with the way they spoke to us and gave us hope,” Gunmayon said.

Background

The demolition, which began in December 2025, had drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. Human rights groups, lawyers, and residents condemned the exercise, which displaced several residents. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government had defended the operation, stating it was carried out in the interest of the waterfront communities.