Makoko demolition: Lagos Assembly proposes new settlement for displaced communities

By Lawrence Agbo

The Lagos State House of Assembly has proposed the relocation of residents displaced by the demolition of waterfront settlements in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro to a new settlement in Agbowa, Epe Local Government Area of the state.

The recommendation followed the adoption of a report by the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Rules and Business on the Makoko demolition.

Many inhabitants were forced to relocate after the Lagos State Government started demolishing what it called “illicit structures” in communities around the Third Mainland Bridge in December 2025.

The affected communities later protested the demolition and submitted a petition to the Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, prompting lawmakers to call for the suspension of the exercise while the matter was investigated.

Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, the chairman of the panel, Noheem Adams, said the committee held five meetings with petitioners and also conducted visits to the affected areas alongside relevant government agencies.

Adams noted that the demolition led to the destruction of homes and property, leaving many residents displaced and worsening their living conditions.

He added that the communities, which have existed for decades, largely depend on fishing for their livelihoods.

According to the committee, the state government should relocate the affected residents to a proposed low-cost housing estate to be built in Agbowa, where they can continue their fishing activities.

The panel also recommended that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu direct the Special Adviser on E-GIS to vet the enumeration report submitted by the Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon communities.

In addition, the committee urged the government to engage the Oloto of the Otto family in the planned Water City project and recognise the family as the original owners of the land.

The Lagos State Government had earlier announced plans in February 2026 to invest about $10 million in the Water City project aimed at modernising the fishing community.