Lagos Assembly orders immediate suspension of Makoko, Oworonshoki demolitions after meeting with residents

…promises on-the-spot assessment

The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed all relevant ministries and agencies to suspend the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko and other affected communities, following a meeting with residents.

The directive was announced on Monday by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja.

The meeting was convened to address concerns arising from the recent demolition exercises in Makoko and Oworonshoki.

Adams assured residents that the Assembly would conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas to verify the extent of the setbacks being enforced by the government.

He also disclosed that community leaders would be selected to serve on a Taskforce Committee to be constituted to address the issues.

The Majority Leader reiterated that while the state government remains committed to protecting lives and property, it cannot overlook the safety risks associated with living under high-tension power lines.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, said the state government had consistently engaged Makoko residents on the ongoing regeneration plan.

He clarified that the government has no intention of erasing the Makoko community, adding that the demolition exercise has been halted. Babatunde further revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has earmarked $2 million for Makoko’s development, assuring residents that the community remains an integral part of Lagos’ history and that those affected by the demolitions will be duly compensated.