Two prominent non-governmental organizations have condemned the Lagos State Government following a demolition exercise in Makoko, a waterfront fishing community, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately halt the operation.
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Centre for Children’s Health Education Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) issued a joint statement on Monday describing the exercise as a human rights violation against impoverished residents.
Community members reported that on January 5, government-backed forces entered the settlement without warning and began setting houses ablaze. According to residents, armed security personnel and hired individuals used firearms, tear gas, and confiscated fishing boats during the operation. “We had a meeting with government representatives who assured us only houses within 30 meters of the high tension corridor would be demolished,” a community insider explained. “They arrived around 8 a.m., shooting and spraying tear gas. They’ve burned houses nearly 100 meters into the community.”
The source added that many residents were away at markets, fishing, or traveling for holidays when their properties were destroyed. Community chiefs were reportedly summoned to the government house as the demolition began.
Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s Executive Director, called the assault “absolutely reprehensible and unacceptable,” arguing that government agents are increasing rather than reducing insecurity. “The human and shelter rights of every Makoko resident must be respected by the Lagos State Government,” Bassey stated, criticizing what he termed a pattern of dehumanizing treatment of the urban poor.
Betty Abah, CEE-HOPE’s Executive Director, highlighted previous demolitions in areas including Oko-Baba, Abettor, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, and Oworonshoki, which she said displaced tens of thousands. She noted that Makoko previously experienced demolition in 2012, during which a local chief was killed.
“Lagos has an acute housing deficit. Why is it not the provision of affordable or social housing making headlines every year?” Abah questioned, citing concerns about violations of notification requirements, resettlement plans, and court orders. She emphasized the impact on children, many of whom are removed from school following such demolitions.
The organizations called for immediate cessation of the demolition, treatment and compensation for affected residents, and urged Lagos to upgrade slums following international best practices rather than conducting forced evictions.
