Abduljelil IssaThe Lagos State Government has maintained that residents of Makoko and other waterfront settlements were engaged for several years before structures were removed, rejecting claims that the demolitions happened without notice.
In a statement shared on the official X page of the Lagos State Government, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, made this known during Ask Lagos, a weekly X-space interaction between government officials and residents, where authorities explained the controversial demolitions.
Omotoso said the exercise was carried out to safeguard lives and property and to tackle security issues, stressing that it was not aimed at the poor.
Addressing criticisms that the demolitions were “anti-poor” and “unnecessary,” Omotoso explained that public safety, environmental protection and security concerns drove the decision, especially the risks linked to buildings constructed beneath high-tension power lines and along key waterways.
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“No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways,” he said. “These actions are not punitive. They are preventive — to protect lives, avert disasters, and secure the future of Lagos.”
On complaints about inadequate notice, Omotoso said the state had been engaging affected communities for over five years, adding that existing regulations require structures to be located at least 250 metres away from power lines.
“The law stipulates that buildings must be 250 metres away from power lines, but they are built under the power lines, and no government will accept that. Imagine one line dropping into the lagoon. The disaster will be incredible,” he said.
He further noted that some residents had requested a reduction in the setback requirement, saying the community asked that it be lowered from 100 metres to 50 metres.
Babatunde said the demolitions aligned with an urban regeneration blueprint aimed at repositioning Lagos as a resilient and investment-friendly city.
He referenced the relocation of residents from Oko Baba to purpose-built estates with modern facilities, noting that the state had provided hundreds of housing units to ensure displaced residents had alternatives.
According to Babatunde, demolition decisions were based on master plans, safety codes and environmental standards, urging residents and developers to adhere to planning regulations.
“We must follow regulations to avoid these situations; urban development is about building sustainably for the future,” he said.
During the engagement, some participants expressed concerns about alleged casualties, forceful enforcement, absence of compensation and unclear relocation timelines.
Responding, Omotoso said, “We understand the pain this causes, but speculation only fuels division. Let’s focus on facts and collaborative solutions.”
Babatunde added that tools such as the state’s e-GIS platforms enable residents to confirm zoning and setback rules before development, helping to avert future disputes.
Despite arguments from some residents and non-governmental organisations that the demolitions amounted to “class cleansing,” the state government insisted that inaction could result in disasters worse than displacement.