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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Lagos State Government has defended its recent demolition of structures in Makoko and other communities, insisting that the exercise was carried out to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
Government officials made the clarification during Ask Lagos, a weekly X-space discussion designed to foster engagement between the state government and residents.
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, said the demolitions in Makoko and other waterfront settlements were necessary steps towards building a safer and more sustainable megacity.
The actions have drawn criticism from sections of the public, with some describing them as “anti-poor” and “unnecessary”.
However, Omotoso rejected the claims, stressing that the demolitions were driven by public safety, environmental protection and security concerns, particularly the risks posed by illegal structures erected under high-tension power lines and along vital waterways.
“No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct critical waterways. “These actions are not punitive; they are preventive — to protect lives, avert disasters and secure the future of Lagos,” Omotoso said.
Responding to allegations that residents were not given adequate notice, Omotoso said the government had engaged affected communities for more than five years.
He explained that existing laws require buildings to be at least 250 metres away from power lines, noting that many of the demolished structures were built directly beneath the cables.
“Imagine a power line falling into the lagoon. The scale of the disaster would be unimaginable,” he said, adding that some residents had appealed to the government to reduce the setback from 100 metres to 50 metres.
Dr Babatunde said the demolitions formed part of a broader urban regeneration and planning framework aimed at making Lagos more resilient and investment-friendly.
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He cited previous interventions, including the relocation of residents from Oko Baba to purpose-built housing estates with modern facilities.
“Housing alternatives have been provided to ensure that those affected are not left without options,” Babatunde said, adding that decisions were based on approved master plans, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
He urged developers and residents to comply with planning regulations to avoid future conflicts.
“Urban development is about building sustainably for the future, and due process must be followed,” he said.
During the interactive session, some participants raised concerns about alleged casualties, the use of force during enforcement, lack of compensation, and unclear relocation timelines, as well as the emotional toll on displaced residents.
Omotoso acknowledged the concerns but cautioned against what he described as unverified claims.
“We understand the pain this causes, but speculation only fuels division. We must focus on facts and collaborative solutions,” he said.
Babatunde added that digital tools such as the state’s e-GIS platform allow residents to verify zoning, land use and setback requirements in advance, which he said would help reduce disputes in the future.
While some non-governmental organisations and residents have described the demolitions as “class cleansing,” the Lagos State Government maintained that failure to act could expose the city to disasters far more devastating than displacement.
