Meta Description: Lagos State House of Assembly orders immediate halt to demolitions at Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities; compensations promised to affected residents.
Focus Keywords: Lagos Assembly, Makoko demolition, Makoko waterfront, Lagos State government, urban renewal, property compensation, Oko-Agbon, Shogunro
Alt Text: Lagos State House of Assembly session discussing Makoko demolition halt.
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday ordered the immediate stoppage of all demolition activities at the Makoko community waterfront and other affected areas. The resolution was announced by Hon. Noheem Adams, Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee established by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, following a stakeholders’ meeting at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium.
The decision comes after protests by hundreds of displaced Makoko residents last week, which had escalated tensions and resulted in the arrest of some activists currently undergoing trial.
Full Stop to Demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro
Hon. Adams, also the Leader of the House, stated that the 40-member parliament, on behalf of the Speaker, directed all ministries to halt demolitions immediately in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities. He assured affected residents that the Assembly will ensure compliance with the order and that compensation will be provided for properties already demolished.
“On behalf of the Speaker and all members of the House, we are directing that all demolitions stop with immediate effect. Residents will be fully involved, and compensations will be paid to all affected,” Adams said.
The resolution emphasized the need for proper communication between authorities and residents. Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, highlighted that those intended to benefit from government plans must be informed even if authorities cannot meet them physically.
State Government Plans $2 Million Redevelopment
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Dr. Babatunde Olajide, confirmed that the state has earmarked $2 million for the redevelopment of Makoko waterfront since 2021. He stressed that the project, referred to as the Water City Project, aims to upgrade the community to international standards while ensuring a humane and resident-focused approach.
“All affected residents will be compensated. The first priority is to protect people. We have been working on this project since 2021, and it must be done with a human face,” Dr. Olajide said.
Community Leaders Welcome Assembly Intervention
Leaders from Makoko, Shogunro, and Iwaya LCDA expressed satisfaction with the Assembly’s intervention, rejecting external NGO interference. High Chief Yusuf Sagra, Baale of Makoko, said:
“We are happy the House has given us a word of peace. We are satisfied with the deliberation.”
Similarly, Chief Orioye Ogungbure noted:
“It is good that the government listens to the people. If this approach continues, democracy will strengthen and residents will feel heard.”
The Assembly’s resolution marks a significant step in balancing urban renewal, safety, and resident rights in Lagos, signaling the state government’s commitment to transparent redevelopment and fair compensation.
