- Lagos Assembly Proposes Moving Makoko Residents to Epe Following Demolitions
- Hon. Noheem Adams said it arrived at its conclusions after five meetings with petitioners and an oversight visit involving relevant government officials
- the lawmakers recommended that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu direct the Special Adviser on E-GIS to verify the enumeration report submitted by the affected communities
The Lagos State House of Assembly has recommended relocating residents affected by the demolition of waterfront communities in Makoko, Oko‑Agbon, and Sogunro to a low-cost housing estate in the Agbowa area of Epe.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a statement from the Assembly’s Public Affairs Directorate confirmed that the recommendation followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Rules and Business during plenary on Tuesday.
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The report was in response to a petition titled “Urgent Appeal Regarding Ongoing Mass Forced Eviction and Illegal Demolition Threatening Tens of Thousands in Makoko, Oko‑Agbon and Sogunro Communities.”
The Committee on Rules and Business, chaired by Hon. Noheem Adams, said it arrived at its conclusions after five meetings with petitioners and an oversight visit involving relevant government officials, agencies, and community representatives.
The report highlighted that the demolition exercise carried out by the state government displaced many residents, including the elderly, women, and children, and destroyed homes and properties. The affected waterfront communities largely rely on fishing for their livelihoods and have historically lived on the water due to the nature of their occupation.
The committee also noted that living conditions in the areas worsened after the demolition, raising environmental and health concerns as well as safety risks.
Based on its findings, the lawmakers recommended that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu direct the Special Adviser on E-GIS to verify the enumeration report submitted by the affected communities. They also advised relocating the remaining residents to a proposed low-cost housing estate in Agbowa, where they could continue their fishing activities.
The Special Adviser on Research, Media and Documentation to the Speaker, Adeshina Oyetayo, confirmed the Assembly’s position
The recommendation comes after a controversial demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government between late December 2025 and early January 2026, targeting “illicit structures” in Makoko, Oko‑Agbon, and Sogunro near the Third Mainland Bridge. The operation displaced thousands of residents, sparking protests from community members and civil society groups who demanded clear plans for resettlement and compensation.
