The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the immediate suspension of ongoing demolitions in Makoko and surrounding waterfront communities within the Yaba Local Government Area of the state.
The directive was issued on Tuesday following a meeting between lawmakers and representatives of the affected communities at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja.
Announcing the resolutions reached at the meeting, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee constituted by the Speaker, Noheem Adams, said the House resolved that all demolitions in the affected areas must stop with immediate effect.
Adams stated that ministries, departments and agencies involved in the demolition of structures in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities had been ordered to suspend the exercise until further notice.
He also assured residents that compensation would be paid to those whose properties had already been affected by the demolition.
He said, “All demolitions in Makoko and its waterfront communities should be stopped with immediate effect until further notice. Also, any task force to be constituted must involve the residents and carry them along.
“As your representatives, we assure you that the demolition will be stopped and that all those whose properties have been demolished will be compensated.”
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, the Baale of one of the areas, Isaac Gunmayon, commended the House for intervening in the matter.
“They called us to come and explain what exactly happened, and we discussed everything. Whatever the House has decided reflects our wishes, and we are very happy with the way they spoke to us and gave us hope,” he said.
Report state that the demolition exercise, which commenced in December 2025, has continued to generate controversy.
Several human rights groups, legal practitioners and residents had criticised the operation, describing it as disruptive and accusing authorities of displacing residents without adequate consultation.
However, the Lagos State Government has maintained that the demolition was carried out in the interest of the waterfront communities, insisting that the exercise was aimed at improving safety and living conditions in the affected areas.
Advertisement
