As demolitions continue in the Makoko waterfront community, displacing thousands and raising environmental concerns over the Lagos Lagoon, tensions have escalated between the Lagos State Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has defended the actions as necessary for public safety while accusing some NGOs of financial exploitation, even as rights groups condemn the demolitions as unlawful and inhumane.
The demolitions, which began in late December 2025 and intensified into January 2026, target structures allegedly built under high-tension power lines in Makoko, a historic fishing settlement in Yaba.
State officials claim the exercise is limited to a 30-meter safety setback to prevent tragedies, but residents and activists report expansions up to 100 meters or more, affecting homes, schools, clinics, and places of worship.
Reports indicate thousands have been left homeless, with some sleeping in canoes or overcrowded boats, amid allegations of tear gas use, violence, and even deaths, including infants and elderly individuals.
Speaking after signing the N4.4 trillion 2026 budget into law on January 19, Sanwo-Olu addressed the backlash, insisting the government has no interest in unnecessary destruction.
“Of what interest will it be to the government to unduly demolish anybody’s house, if it’s not for the overall safety of the citizens we are talking about?” he said. He accused local and international NGOs of “profiteering” from the situation, claiming they secure grants from donors under the pretense of aiding communities but fail to deliver.
“They’ve made so much money from international people. And they’ve asked for so many grants and wealth into those places, and it’s just for them to cover their own lies and the fact that they’ve not done what they said they were going to be doing,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He described the NGOs as “crying more than the bereaved,” suggesting their criticisms stem from lost opportunities for funding rather than genuine concern. The governor mentioned ongoing studies to provide evidence and pledged palliative measures, including temporary shelters and compensation for verified affected residents.
NGOs and civil society groups have fired back, labeling the demolitions as violations of court orders, constitutional rights, and international human rights standards.
A coalition of 23 national and international organizations, including the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, issued a joint statement on January 18 demanding an immediate halt.
They accused the government of “violent and unlawful” actions that began on January 5, ignoring a 2025 court ruling that stopped similar evictions and awarded N3.5 billion in compensation against the state.
The Foundation for Peace Professionals warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, citing insufficient notice, lack of resettlement plans, and potential social destabilization.
Residents have staged protests, blocking bulldozers and marching to the governor’s office and state assembly. Led by CAPPA and community leaders, demonstrators on January 15 alleged the government exceeded agreed boundaries without compensation, leading to casualties.
“This is a deliberate attempt to remove poor residents from prime waterfront locations for elite interests,” said one activist, highlighting the absence of basic relief for displaced families.
Social media discussions echo these divides, with some users supporting the governor’s claims that NGOs use Makoko for fundraising without tangible impact, while others decry the government’s disregard for court injunctions and human dignity.
Critics point to a pattern of demolitions in Lagos, including past actions in Lekki and other areas, often justified as urban renewal but criticized for lacking due process.
Environmental risks add another layer, with dredging and demolitions raising fears of lagoon erosion and flooding, potentially damaging infrastructure like the Third Mainland Bridge.
The government maintains engagements with stakeholders over the past two and a half years, but opponents argue these have been insufficient.
As of January 21, 2026, demolitions persist amid calls for transparent dialogue and adherence to legal rulings. The controversy underscores broader debates on urban development, poverty, and accountability in Nigeria’s most populous city.
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