In a significant development for residents of Makoko and surrounding waterfront communities in Lagos, the Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate halt to ongoing demolitions exercises in the area.
The directive follows a high-level meeting with community members, government officials, and stakeholders, as concern mounted over the impact of recent demolitions on thousands of residents.
Assembly Convenes Emergency Meeting with Makoko Residents
The emergency meeting, held on Monday, brought together members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, affected residents from Makoko and Oworonshoki.
And key representatives from relevant state ministries and agencies.
Forum addresses demolition fallout in lagoon waterfront Makoko communities.
The Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, who also chairs the newly-constituted House Committee on Makoko Demolition, led the proceedings.
Adams directs agencies: Halt Makoko, Oko-Afon, Shogunro demolitions immediately.
The decision marks a turning point in the ongoing debate over urban renewal, slum regeneration, and the rights of vulnerable Lagosians.
On-the-Spot Assessment and Community Task Force Announced
Adams: Assembly members visit Makoko for transparent, accountable fact-finding.
The aim is to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and determine the precise government setbacks being enforced.
“We will visit Makoko ourselves to see the situation and ensure that the interests of the people are protected,” Adams stated.
Crucially, Adams revealed plans to involve local residents in the oversight process.
Elect community leaders for task force to monitor developments, represent Makoko interests.
“We want your voices at the table. This committee will ensure there is no disconnect between government and the people,” he assured.
Shelter, Not Food, is the Priority—Lawmakers Tell Local Council
During the meeting, lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the response of the Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye.
Activists criticize food aid as inadequate; displaced Makoko residents urgently need shelter.
“People who have lost their homes need a roof over their heads first and foremost,” one lawmaker emphasised.
State Government Outlines Makoko Regeneration Plans
Government commits to sustainable Makoko regeneration: balancing safety, renewal, preserving heritage.
“Makoko will remain there because it is part of Lagos history,” Babatunde affirmed.
Sanwo-Olu earmarks $2M for Makoko development, upgrading infrastructure, improving lives.
Babatunde assures affected Makoko residents of compensation, community consultations for interventions.
Community Leaders Demand Direct Engagement, Not NGO Representation
Makoko leaders ready to engage government directly, bypassing NGO intermediaries at meeting.
They expressed a strong desire for sustained dialogue and urged the government to permanently halt demolitions in Makoko.
“We want to speak for ourselves and work hand-in-hand with the government for the future of Makoko,” a community representative declared.
Demolitions Driven by Safety and Urban Renewal, Say Officials
Government officials defended the rationale behind the demolition exercise, citing safety and urban renewal imperatives.
Officials marked lagoon structures within 100m of lines for removal to avert accidents, aid development.
A Way Forward for Makoko
Lagos Assembly intervenes amid push for inclusive planning respecting settlers amid urbanization challenges.
House assesses, forms task force; hopes rise for humane, participatory Makoko approach.
For Makoko residents, the immediate cessation of demolitions offers relief and a chance to shape the future of their historic community.
Spotlight turns to Lagos balancing development, safety, social justice in vibrant, vulnerable Makoko neighborhood.
