The Lagos State Government (LASG) and residents of Makoko have reached a compromise pending the final resolution of the controversial demolition of homes and properties in the water-community.
On Monday, the Lagos State House of Assembly conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the demolition exercise. Following discussions, stakeholders—including Makoko residents, government representatives, and lawmakers—agreed on a set of resolutions during a meeting.
The agreement includes:
- Residents will halt all building activities on the demolished properties.
- A committee will be established to deliberate on compensation for displaced residents.
- The boundaries of the regeneration plan will be clearly defined by the government’s urban renewal office.
- Implementation of the Makoko water-city regeneration project.
- Assurance that there are no plans to eliminate the Makoko community.
Dr. Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, explained that the government’s dual objective is to launch the water-city project for the benefit of Makoko residents while addressing long-standing sanitation challenges as part of broader community regeneration.
Makoko leaders—including Baales Sogunro and Okun-Agbon, as well as youth and student representatives—welcomed the proposals. Residents emphasized the need for compensation for those affected by the demolition, immediate accommodation plans for people living on boats or in inadequate housing, and clear demarcation of the regeneration boundaries.
Both parties agreed that establishing the compensation committee would be the first step to address the community’s immediate concerns before the full implementation of the regeneration plan.
