Trending 
The Lagos State Assembly has met with residents of Makoko affected by recent demolitions and directed relevant ministries to suspend all clearance activities in the area.
Monday’s meeting, led by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, aimed to address concerns arising from the demolition exercise in Makoko and Oworonshoki.
Adams, who also chairs the House Committee on Makoko Demolition, instructed all government agencies involved to stop demolitions in the Makoko, Oko-Afon, and Shogunro communities.
He assured residents that state assembly members would conduct on-site assessments to verify the government’s actions and assess the impact of the exercise. Community leaders will also be elected to serve on a taskforce committee to liaise directly with authorities.
Adams emphasised that the state government remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to address the risks posed by living under high-tension power lines.
The assembly criticised the Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye, for distributing food relief to displaced residents, noting that immediate shelter, not palliatives, was the community’s primary need.
Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, confirmed that the government has consistently engaged Makoko residents on its ongoing regeneration plan.
He stressed that the state has no intention of erasing the community and that demolition has been paused.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has allocated $2 million for the development of Makoko, which will remain a historic part of Lagos, with affected residents duly compensated.
Community leaders appealed to the state government to engage with them directly, rejecting representation by non-governmental organisations, and called for an end to the demolition.
State officials have maintained that the removal of structures within 100 metres of transmission lines is necessary for safety and urban renewal purposes.
