The historic Makoko community in Lagos is once again at the centre of controversy following a resolution by the Lagos State House of Assembly urging the state government to relocate residents to Agbowa in Epe.
The recommendation comes after months of demolitions and forced clearances, which have displaced families and sparked widespread protests.
The Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Evictions, Land Grabbing and Displacement staged a major demonstration on January 28, 2026, drawing nearly five thousand residents from Makoko and other affected Lagos communities, including Owode Onirin, Oworoshoki, Bariga, Ajegunle, and Sogunro.
The protests highlighted growing grievances over state-backed demolition operations, some of which involved tear gas, live ammunition, and destruction of homes and community facilities in December 2025.
Reports indicate that several residents, including infants and a pregnant woman, were killed or injured during the demolitions.
Following public backlash, the Lagos State House of Assembly established an ad hoc committee to examine the demolitions and propose solutions. However, critics have raised concerns over the transparency and fairness of the hearings.
Civil society organisations and legal representatives were largely excluded, leaving residents to face lawmakers alone. Despite documenting the worsening living conditions in Makoko, the Assembly’s resolution did not address accountability for deaths, injuries, and trauma caused by the demolitions.
Observers note that the relocation proposal raises broader questions about urban planning and land use in Lagos. Land reclamation and redevelopment projects, including the planned “Water City” initiative in collaboration with the United Nations, have prompted fears that elite and private interests may benefit disproportionately, while long-established communities risk being uprooted.
Advocates stress that Makoko’s stilt-based lagoon settlement represents not only a cultural and economic hub but also an example of practical climate adaptation that should inform inclusive urban development strategies.
