Coalition Backs Makoko Demolitions to Save Lives Under Powerlines Lagos
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Coalition for Good Governance urges the Lagos State Government to sustain ongoing demolitions of illegal structures beneath high-tension power lines in Makoko, describing the exercise as a critical life-saving intervention.
Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, coalition convener Nelson Ekujumi warns against any political or emotional pressure capable of halting what he calls a necessary safety operation in the densely populated waterfront community.
“Protecting human lives must remain the foremost duty of any responsible administration,” Ekujumi says, adding that reversing the demolitions would expose residents to preventable disasters.
Authorities say many homes in Makoko sit directly under electricity transmission infrastructure, heightening risks of electrocution, fires and flood-related emergencies. The coalition notes that the settlement remains overcrowded, with wooden structures built over the lagoon, often lacking sanitation, potable water and organised waste disposal.
Ekujumi stresses that recurring fires, seasonal flooding and unregulated construction underscore the urgency of decisive government action. While acknowledging that the exercise disrupts livelihoods and displaces families, he urges stakeholders to view the demolitions through a public-safety lens rather than sentiment.
“This is not about punishment. It is about preventing loss of life,” he says.
The coalition calls for transparency, clearer communication and trust-building between authorities and residents, particularly during enforcement actions. It also commends the Lagos State House of Assembly for intervening to prevent unrest, urging lawmakers to fast-track a coordinated redevelopment plan.
Such a plan, Ekujumi adds, must include decent housing, basic infrastructure and economic support for affected families to ensure long-term safety and stability.
State officials say compliance notices were issued before the demolitions, insisting enforcement became unavoidable after residents failed to meet agreed safety standards.
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