Demolition At Makoko And Other Communities: Setting The Record Straight On Lagos State Urban Renewal Initiative

The Civil Society Strategists (CSO’s Strategist) hereby issues this robust and clarifying statement on the recent demolitions at Makoko and a few other communities across Lagos State, which have generated intense public debate, emotional reactions, and widespread media narratives, many of which are unfortunately misleading and deliberately distorted.

First and foremost, we state clearly and unequivocally that the safety of lives and protection of property remain the primary responsibility of any responsible government. In the case of Makoko and the affected communities, the Lagos State Government engaged residents to relocate from extremely dangerous zones under high-tension power lines and along vulnerable coastal and waterfront areas. These actions were taken in line with existing state laws, ethical obligations, and international conventions guiding safe human habitation and urban planning standards.

Anywhere in the world, laws regulating human settlements must be respected irrespective of status, sentiment, or public pressure. Communities cannot be allowed to remain in life-threatening environments simply because relocation is emotionally difficult. To do otherwise would amount to state negligence and a betrayal of the very people government is sworn to protect.

While we empathise deeply with every family and trader affected by these exercises, we must also state our disappointment at the conduct of some non-governmental organisations who have chosen to deliberately politicise and internationalise this matter for selfish interests. It is no longer surprising that certain NGOs, driven by financial gains and benefits accruing from foreign donor funding tied to these same communities, have turned themselves into merchants of sympathy and purveyors of half-truths.

By rushing to international media platforms, they have escalated the situation and created an entirely different narrative, portraying a lawful and well-intended urban renewal initiative as an act of wickedness and repression. This is not only unfair to the Lagos State Government but also injurious to the image of Nigeria and harmful to the credibility of genuine civil society advocacy.
We affirm that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu–led administration embarked on this exercise not out of cruelty, but out of a sincere commitment to make life safer, healthier, and more dignified for the people through its urban renewal and development initiatives. A government that allows its citizens to live permanently under power lines, on unstable waterfronts, and in disaster-prone locations cannot, in good conscience, claim to be responsible.

Yes, development anywhere in the world comes with pains. History teaches us that progress is often uncomfortable. But what matters most is that such development must wear a human face. On this, we acknowledge and commend the Lagos State Government for repeatedly assuring the public, at different fora, that all affected communities will be adequately compensated, resettled where necessary, and provided with relief materials to ameliorate their pains and sufferings.

We further wish to inform the public that following the state government’s engagement and one-on-one interaction with representatives of the Makoko community, the demolition exercise has been suspended. The Governor personally gave assurances that succour and renewed hope will be extended to Makoko residents, and that adequate measures will be taken to ensure that affected families receive support, relief, and humane consideration. This development once again demonstrates the responsiveness and compassionate leadership of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

We therefore call on the affected residents to remain calm and engage constructively with the appropriate government agencies, trusting that the promises of compensation and relief will be honoured. We also urge well-meaning civil society organisations to rise above sensationalism, reject donor-driven activism, and embrace balanced advocacy that tells the full truth and promotes sustainable solutions.

CSO’s Strategist remains committed to justice, fairness, and human-centred development. We will continue to support policies and programmes that protect lives, respect the law, and advance the collective good of Lagos State and its people.

Signed,
Olanrewaju Adekunle
For: CSO’s Strategist