Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has clarified that the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko does not affect the entire community, but is limited to illegal structures built dangerously close to high-tension power lines and critical infrastructure.
Speaking on Monday, the governor explained that the exercise was carried out strictly in the interest of public safety, stressing that no government would deliberately demolish homes without a compelling reason.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the affected structures are shanties erected within 150 to 250 metres of high-tension electricity cables and close to the Third Mainland Bridge, in clear violation of safety regulations.
“We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are only clearing the shanties so they do not get to the Third Mainland Bridge and remain under high-tension wires,” he said.
The governor disclosed that evacuation notices were issued to residents in the affected areas more than two years ago, adding that the demolition exercise was initially scheduled for December 2024 but was extended throughout 2025 to allow residents ample time to relocate.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that Lagos, as a rapidly growing мегacity, must prioritise the safety of lives and property, noting that allowing people to remain under high-tension power lines could lead to disaster.
“People need to understand that we are dealing with a big city, and safety must come first. We cannot fold our arms and wait for calamity to happen,” he said.
He also dismissed allegations that the exercise was driven by ulterior motives, insisting that the decision was based solely on the collective interest of the state and its residents.
Reacting to criticisms from some local and international non-governmental organisations, the governor accused certain groups of exploiting the situation for financial gain, claiming they had received grants in the past without delivering promised interventions in the affected communities.
“We are aware that some NGOs are shouting and crying more than the bereaved. We have evidence, and we are studying the situation closely,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu assured affected residents that the state government would provide palliatives and relocation stipends as a show of compassion, even though the structures were built illegally.
“I have instructed the local governments and relevant ministries to provide additional support, including palliatives and relocation stipends, to affected residents. While the structures were wrongly built, the government will still act with compassion,” he said.
On environmental sanitation, the governor warned that the state would impose stiffer penalties on individuals who dump refuse indiscriminately, especially on road medians.
He disclosed plans to strengthen the capacity of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Private Sector Participants (PSPs) by increasing their fleet of compactor trucks and improving waste management equipment in the 2025 budget.
“We have instructed LAWMA not only to apprehend offenders but also to ensure they are charged for environmental violations,” Sanwo-Olu added.
The governor reiterated that the demolition exercise and other enforcement actions are aimed at ensuring a safer, cleaner and more secure Lagos for all residents.
Makoko Demolition Targets Only Shanties Near High-Tension Lines, Not Entire Community — Sanwo-Olu
