By Aina Shehu
The Lagos State Government has defended the demolition of structures in Makoko and other waterfront communities, insisting that the exercise is aimed at protecting lives, property, and public infrastructure rather than targeting the poor.
Government officials gave the explanation during Ask Lagos, a weekly X-Space engagement designed to foster dialogue between the state government and residents.
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Mr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, described the demolitions as necessary steps toward building a safer and more sustainable megacity.
Addressing criticisms that the exercise was “anti-poor” and “unnecessary,” Omotoso dismissed the claims, stressing that the demolitions were driven by public safety, environmental protection, and security concerns, particularly the risks posed by illegal structures erected beneath 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,” Omotoso said. “These actions are not punitive; they are preventive — to save lives, avert disasters, and secure the future of Lagos.”
Responding to allegations that residents were not given prior notice, Omotoso stated that affected communities had been engaged for over five years. He explained that existing laws require buildings to be located at least 250 metres away from power lines, a regulation he said had been flagrantly violated.
“Imagine a high-tension line falling into the lagoon,” he said. “The disaster would be unimaginable.”
According to him, some community leaders had appealed for the setback to be reduced, a request the government said it could not accommodate due to safety implications.
Providing a technical perspective, Babatunde said the demolitions form part of a broader urban regeneration and resilience plan aimed at making Lagos more investment-friendly and environmentally sustainable. He cited examples such as the relocation of residents from Oko Baba to purpose-built housing estates with modern amenities.
“Hundreds of housing units have been provided by the state to ensure affected residents are not left without options,” he said, adding that all decisions were guided by master plans, safety standards, and environmental benchmarks.
He also urged developers and residents to adhere strictly to planning regulations, noting that tools such as the state’s e-GIS platform allow individuals to verify zoning and setback requirements before building.
During the discussion, some participants raised concerns about alleged casualties, the use of force during enforcement, lack of compensation, unclear relocation timelines, and the emotional impact of the demolitions.
In response, Omotoso said the government acknowledged the pain caused but warned against misinformation.
“Speculation only fuels division. We must focus on facts and collaborative solutions,” he said.
While some NGOs and residents have described the demolitions as “class cleansing,” government officials insist that failure to act could result in disasters far more devastating than displacement.