Civil Society Groups condemn Lagos Govt over forced evictions in Makoko, others
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
The Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation in collaboration with the Justice Empowerment Initiative and other civil society organisations, has condemned the ongoing eviction of residents in the Makoko, Oko Agbon, and Sogunro communities by the Lagos State Government.
In a joint statement released on Friday, the groups warned that the forced removals threaten thousands of residents with displacement, without any provision for resettlement, in violation of existing court orders as well as Nigerian and international law.
The statement recalled that residents had cooperated with the government during the first phase of the demolition in December 2025, which involved clearing a 30-metre setback beneath the high-tension power line running between the waterfront communities and the Third Mainland Bridge.
Community leaders reportedly assured residents that the government would provide compensation for those affected by the initial clearance.
The residents had complied with this directive in good faith, trusting that the remainder of their communities would be protected.
According to a house numbering exercise conducted by Makoko youth, supported by the Justice Empowerment Initiative and the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation between 2020 and 2021, Makoko has a population exceeding 80,000.
The organisations emphasized that Makoko and its neighbouring settlements are more than just homes; they represent cultural landmarks and attract visitors from around the world for their unique architecture and vibrant community life.
The statement described the current eviction as particularly cruel, occurring during the festive season amid the worst economic challenges Nigeria has faced in decades.
Many displaced residents have reportedly been forced to sleep in others’ homes or in open canoes.
The groups characterized the demolitions as the harshest seen since the military era and urged the Lagos State and Federal Governments to immediately halt further evictions.
Other civil society organisations that signed the statement include the Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Hope (CEE-HOPE), Global Rights, and the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI).
The statement called on authorities to respect the rights and dignity of the affected communities and to provide sustainable solutions that protect residents from arbitrary displacement.
