Makoko’s recent demolitions have ignited fierce public backlash, casting the Lagos State Government as heavy-handed and insensitive. Yet officials insist the action was driven by safety, environmental risk and long-term regeneration concerns. In this special report, it was explained by the government that by any measure, Makoko is one of Lagos’ most complex urban spaces — socially vibrant, economically productive, historically layered, and physically fragile. Built largely on stilts above the Lagos Lagoon, the community has expanded over decades toward sensitive transport corridors, power infrastructure, and waterways that are critical to the city’s functioning. This reality has long placed Makoko at a delicate intersection between human survival and public risk.
Recent demolition activities carried out by the Lagos State Government (LASG) have sparked outrage, protests and deep emotional distress among residents and civil society groups. Images of displaced families, damaged structures, and disrupted livelihoods have dominated public discourse, shaping a narrative of sudden and sweeping state action. The government, however, maintains that the intervention was neither punitive nor targeted at the urban poor, and was not designed to pave the way for private redevelopment interests.
From the state’s perspective, the exercise was a narrowly defined safety and environmental enforcement action rooted in long-standing concerns about structural instability, fire hazards, waterway obstruction and the encroachment on critical infrastructure. Officials argue that continued inaction would have exposed residents and the wider city to far greater danger.
A settlement sitting on high-risk infrastructure
At the heart of the Lagos State Government’s justification for the recent intervention in Makoko is what officials describe as an unavoidable safety imperative. From the state’s standpoint, no responsible authority can knowingly permit human settlements to exist directly beneath high-tension electricity transmission lines or within corridors that obstruct critical waterways. The sections of Makoko affected by the demolition, the government insists, fall squarely within statutory power-line setback zones—buffers designed to prevent catastrophic loss of life in the event of infrastructure failure.
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Plateau killings: IGP, COAS deploy more troops, vow justice
Concerned Nigerians condemn the attack The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has said a sizeable number of suspects linked to the Palm Sunday killings in Angwan Rukuba and nearby communities in Jos, Plateau State, were already in custody, vowing that all the culprits at at large would be fished out.He revealed this during his condolence visit to Jos, yesterday, where he said additional security deployments have been made to bring the situation under control.At least 27 persons were killed and 19 others were seriously injured in the attack that has continued to generat public outcry. Disu, who visited the affected areas, hospitalised victims and met Governor Caleb Mutfwang at Government House, said one of those arrested impersonated a soldier.The IGP said: “This is a very sad incident, and we have been doing everything in our powers to ensure that […]
Alleged coup plotters: Families protest at National Assembly
The families of the detained officers accused of a coup attempt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday protested at the National Assembly. They called for justice to be done openly in the matter in accordance with the law.The protesters included the spouses of the detained military officers, as well as their children and other relatives. Carrying placards with various inscriptions, they expressed frustration that their loved ones have been held for too long without due process.The distraught families said they faced emotional and financial hardship since the officers were detained.The wife of one of the detainees, who gave her name simply as Nana, said they were calling for fairness in their trial. “We are here to plead with the government to please charge our husbands to court. We are not saying they should just be released like that. Necessary action […]
Fraud Case: El-Rufai taken back to custody
Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday returned former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to their custody after the resumed hearing of his bail application at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.The court adjourned hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor till today. His counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), who declined detailed comments on the proceedings, confirmed the development shortly after yesterday’s court session."I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” Ubong Akpan said. The former governor was subsequently taken away from the court premises by ICPC operatives in a white Hilux vehicle.He had returned to the Federal High Court amid tight security for the hearing of […]
Plateau killings and the curfew
The fresh wave of violence in Plateau State has once again exposed a painful reality. Nigeria is not just dealing with isolated attacks, but a deep-rooted and persistent security crisis. On Sunday, March 29, gunmen stormed the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing at least 20 people, with some reports placing the death toll closer to 30. Witnesses disclosed to Ayemafuge while recounting a chilling pattern: "attackers arriving on motorcycles in the evening, opening fire indiscriminately on defenceless residents. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a recurring cycle of violence in the region.In response, authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew, yet another predictable government reaction that has, over time, become more symbolic than effective. From Kaduna State to Zamfara State, and even parts of Borno State during the height of insurgency, curfews […]
Resign now: Ondo Govt directs political appointees eyeing 2027 elections to resign by March 31
The Ondo state government has directed all political appointees planning to run in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026.This is contained in an advisory directive issued by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN. The directive cited by Ayemafuge on Tuesday was titled "Advisory Directive on Resignation Requirements for Civil Servants and Political Appointees in Ondo State Intending to Contest the 2027 General Elections.”“It is strongly advised that all political appointees intending to contest the 2027 General Elections submit their formal letters of resignation on or before 31st March 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the Advisory said.According to it, the purpose of the “Directive” is to ensure legal clarity, promote transparency, uphold the neutrality and integrity of the public service, and prevent avoidable disqualification or electoral […]
Aiyedatiwa sacks all SSAs, SAs
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sacked all Senior Special Assistants(SSAs) and Special Assistants(SAs) in his administration with immediate effect. This is contained in a statement made available to Ayemafuge on Monday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.According to Adeniyan, the step is part of efforts to enhance efficiency and service delivery in the state.He expressed appreciation to the affected aides for their contributions to the development of the state and wished them success in their future endeavours. Adeniyan disclosed that the governor would appoint about 1,000 new aides drawn from the 203 wards across the 18 local government areas of the state.He added that the move was aimed at strengthening coordination and injecting fresh capacity into the administration. Ayemafuge gathered that the move was part of the realignment towards […]
Related
Plateau killings: IGP, COAS deploy more troops, vow justice
Concerned Nigerians condemn the attack The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has said a sizeable number of suspects linked to the Palm Sunday killings in Angwan Rukuba and nearby communities in Jos, Plateau State, were already in custody, vowing that all the culprits at at large would be fished out.He revealed this during his condolence visit to Jos, yesterday, where he said additional security deployments have been made to bring the situation under control.At least 27 persons were killed and 19 others were seriously injured in the attack that has continued to generat public outcry. Disu, who visited the affected areas, hospitalised victims and met Governor Caleb Mutfwang at Government House, said one of those arrested impersonated a soldier.The IGP said: “This is a very sad incident, and we have been doing everything in our powers to ensure that […]
Alleged coup plotters: Families protest at National Assembly
The families of the detained officers accused of a coup attempt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday protested at the National Assembly. They called for justice to be done openly in the matter in accordance with the law.The protesters included the spouses of the detained military officers, as well as their children and other relatives. Carrying placards with various inscriptions, they expressed frustration that their loved ones have been held for too long without due process.The distraught families said they faced emotional and financial hardship since the officers were detained.The wife of one of the detainees, who gave her name simply as Nana, said they were calling for fairness in their trial. “We are here to plead with the government to please charge our husbands to court. We are not saying they should just be released like that. Necessary action […]
Fraud Case: El-Rufai taken back to custody
Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday returned former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to their custody after the resumed hearing of his bail application at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.The court adjourned hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor till today. His counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), who declined detailed comments on the proceedings, confirmed the development shortly after yesterday’s court session."I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” Ubong Akpan said. The former governor was subsequently taken away from the court premises by ICPC operatives in a white Hilux vehicle.He had returned to the Federal High Court amid tight security for the hearing of […]
Plateau killings and the curfew
The fresh wave of violence in Plateau State has once again exposed a painful reality. Nigeria is not just dealing with isolated attacks, but a deep-rooted and persistent security crisis. On Sunday, March 29, gunmen stormed the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing at least 20 people, with some reports placing the death toll closer to 30. Witnesses disclosed to Ayemafuge while recounting a chilling pattern: "attackers arriving on motorcycles in the evening, opening fire indiscriminately on defenceless residents. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a recurring cycle of violence in the region.In response, authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew, yet another predictable government reaction that has, over time, become more symbolic than effective. From Kaduna State to Zamfara State, and even parts of Borno State during the height of insurgency, curfews […]
Resign now: Ondo Govt directs political appointees eyeing 2027 elections to resign by March 31
The Ondo state government has directed all political appointees planning to run in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026.This is contained in an advisory directive issued by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN. The directive cited by Ayemafuge on Tuesday was titled "Advisory Directive on Resignation Requirements for Civil Servants and Political Appointees in Ondo State Intending to Contest the 2027 General Elections.”“It is strongly advised that all political appointees intending to contest the 2027 General Elections submit their formal letters of resignation on or before 31st March 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the Advisory said.According to it, the purpose of the “Directive” is to ensure legal clarity, promote transparency, uphold the neutrality and integrity of the public service, and prevent avoidable disqualification or electoral […]
Aiyedatiwa sacks all SSAs, SAs
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sacked all Senior Special Assistants(SSAs) and Special Assistants(SAs) in his administration with immediate effect. This is contained in a statement made available to Ayemafuge on Monday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.According to Adeniyan, the step is part of efforts to enhance efficiency and service delivery in the state.He expressed appreciation to the affected aides for their contributions to the development of the state and wished them success in their future endeavours. Adeniyan disclosed that the governor would appoint about 1,000 new aides drawn from the 203 wards across the 18 local government areas of the state.He added that the move was aimed at strengthening coordination and injecting fresh capacity into the administration. Ayemafuge gathered that the move was part of the realignment towards […]
Be the first to leave a comment