Lagos Defends Makoko Demolition, Cites Safety, Years of Engagement
Oluwafunbi Bello 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government insists its demolition of waterfront settlements in Makoko follows more than five years of sustained community engagement, rejecting claims of sudden action or hostility towards low-income residents.
State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, addresses the controversy during the weekly Ask Lagos session on X, saying the exercise prioritises public safety, environmental protection and urban security rather than social exclusion.
“No responsible government allows people to live beneath high-tension power lines or obstruct natural waterways,” Omotoso says. “These actions are preventive, not punitive.”
Officials explain that several affected structures sit directly under electricity transmission cables and along critical water channels, posing severe risks to lives and infrastructure. Lagos planning regulations mandate a minimum 250-metre setback from high-voltage lines, a standard Omotoso describes as non-negotiable.
Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, frames the demolitions within a broader urban renewal agenda aimed at building a resilient, investor-friendly megacity. He cites previous relocations, including housing estates built for displaced Oko Baba residents, as evidence of mitigation efforts.
“This administration follows master plans, safety codes and environmental laws,” Babatunde says. “Ignoring them creates future disasters.”
Officials also disclose that residents previously lobbied for reduced setback distances, underscoring ongoing dialogue. While acknowledging emotional distress, Omotoso cautions against unverified claims of fatalities and urges fact-based engagement.
The government maintains that failure to act could trigger far deadlier consequences than displacement, insisting the demolitions align with long-term urban sustainability.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness