- Lagos Assembly orders immediate suspension of demolitions in Makoko and nearby waterfront communities
- The decision follows a meeting with affected residents at the Assembly Complex in Alausa
- Community leaders welcome the intervention and express relief over the decision
The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate suspension of the demolition of buildings in Makoko and neighbouring waterfront communities within Yaba Local Government Area.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, February 3, after lawmakers met with representatives of the affected communities at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium inside the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja.
Announcing the outcome of the meeting, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee constituted by the Speaker, Noheem Adams, said the House had resolved that all ministries and agencies involved in the exercise in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities must halt further action until further notice.
He added that residents whose homes or properties had already been pulled down would receive compensation.
Adams 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 after the meeting, the Baale of one of the affected communities, Isaac Gunmayon, thanked the Assembly for stepping in.
“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.
The demolition exercise, which started in December 2025, had generated controversy among various stakeholders.
Human rights organisations, legal practitioners and residents criticised the action, noting that it displaced many people.
However, the Lagos State Government has continued to justify the exercise, insisting that it was undertaken in the interest of residents of the waterfront communities.
Traders sue Lagos Government over demolition of shops, seek N3.4bn compensation
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that a group of traders from the popular Oluwole Market on Lagos Island had taken legal action against the Lagos State Government and some of its agencies following the demolition of their shops.
The traders, under the representation of the Lagos Merchandise and Traders Association, asked for N3.4 billion in damages for the alleged wrongful demolition of their businesses.