Makoko demolition: Development without empathy is injustice, national shame, says activist

By Zika Bobby

Australia-based Nigerian activist and member of the ‘Take It Back’ movement, Adejuwon Akinade, has described the ongoing demolition of the Makoko waterfront community as a “national shame.”

In a statement, Akinade argued that a government truly committed to its citizens does not destroy homes without offering consultation, humane alternatives, or clear resettlement plans.

“What is happening in Makoko is heartbreaking. Makoko is not just a slum; it is a living community of hardworking Nigerians who have been ignored by urban planning for decades. Demolishing their homes without providing dignified housing, compensation, or support is not development but injustice,” Akinade stated.

Akinade challenged the government’s priorities, pointing to the disparity between high-end real estate projects and the treatment of the working class, noting that while the state successfully delivers “mega projects” for the elite, it continues to fail its most vulnerable populations.

“Real development should improve lives, not destroy them. Urban renewal must be people-centered, guided by empathy, dialogue and fairness not force. If the government can build luxury estates for the elite, it can also plan decent housing for the poor. Anything less is a failure of leadership,” he said.

“A nation is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable,” he added.