Makoko’s Demolition Is Necessary – Lagos Government
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 […]