Demolitions in Makoko Not Anti-Poor, Lagos Govt Insists

‎Demolitions in Makoko Not Anti-Poor, Lagos Govt Insists
‎Cites Safety and Security Risks
‎‎Babatunde urged residents and developers to adhere strictly to planning regulations

‎The Lagos State Government has defended the demolition of structures in Makoko and other waterfront communities, insisting that the exercise was carried out to protect lives, safeguard public infrastructure and address security concerns.

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‎Eko Hot Blog reports that Government officials made the clarification during Ask Lagos, a weekly X-space interactive session designed to engage residents on policy decisions and governance issues.

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‎Speaking during the session, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said the demolitions were neither punitive nor targeted at the poor, but were necessary preventive measures driven by safety, environmental and security considerations.

‎Omotoso explained that many of the affected structures were illegally built beneath high-tension power lines and along critical waterways, posing serious risks to residents and the wider city.

‎“No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways,” Omotoso said. “These actions are not punitive. They are preventive to protect lives, avert disasters and secure the future of Lagos.”

‎He dismissed claims that residents were not adequately informed before the demolitions, noting that the government had engaged the affected communities for over five years.

‎According to him, existing regulations require buildings to maintain a minimum setback of 250 metres from power lines, but many structures were erected directly beneath the cables.

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‎“Imagine a high-tension line falling into the lagoon,” Omotoso warned. “The consequences would be catastrophic.”

‎He added that community representatives had previously appealed to the government to reduce the setback requirement from 100 metres to 50 metres, a request that underscored their awareness of the safety violations.

‎Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Mr Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, said the demolitions were part of a broader urban regeneration strategy aimed at transforming Lagos into a resilient and investment-friendly megacity.

‎Babatunde cited past relocation efforts, including the resettlement of residents from Oko Baba into purpose-built estates equipped with modern amenities, as evidence that the government was not indifferent to the welfare of affected communities.

‎“Housing alternatives have been provided in the past, and hundreds of units have been delivered to ensure people are not left without options,” he said.

‎He stressed that urban planning decisions were guided by approved master plans, safety codes and environmental standards, rather than arbitrary actions.

‎Babatunde urged residents and developers to adhere strictly to planning regulations, adding that tools such as the state’s e-GIS platform allow residents to verify zoning rules and setback requirements before construction.

‎“We must follow regulations to avoid these situations. Urban development is about building sustainably for the future,” he said.

‎During the interactive session, some participants raised concerns about alleged casualties, heavy-handed enforcement, lack of compensation and the emotional toll of displacement.

‎Responding, Omotoso said the government was sensitive to the pain experienced by affected residents but cautioned against spreading unverified claims.

‎“We understand the pain this causes, but speculation only fuels division. Let us focus on facts and collaborative solutions,” he said.

‎While some civil society groups and residents have described the demolitions as “class cleansing,” the state government maintained that failing to act could expose residents to disasters far more devastating than displacement.

‎The government reiterated its commitment to engaging stakeholders and ensuring that safety, environmental sustainability and urban order remain central to Lagos’ development agenda.