Lagos State government has defended its decision to demolish structures in Makoko and other communities, insisting that the action was to protect life and property.
Top government officials such as the state’s commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso and the special adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, who featured on “Ask Lagos”, a weekly X-space discussion aimed at creating engagements between the government and the residents, said the government would not renege on its responsibility of protecting life and property.
According to them, the contentious demolitions in Makoko and other waterfront communities were essential steps toward a safer, more sustainable megacity.
Omotoso clarified that the criticisms of the government actions as “anti-poor” and “unnecessary” were untenable, adding that the demolitions were driven primarily by public safety, environmental protection, and security considerations, particularly the dangers posed by illegal structures built beneath high-tension power lines and along critical waterways.
He said, “No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways. These actions are not punitive. They are preventive, to protect lives, avert disasters, and secure the future of Lagos.
“The government has been engaging them for over five years. The law stipulates that buildings must be 250 metres from power lines, but they are built under them, and no government will accept that.
Imagine one line dropping into the lagoon. The disaster will be unimaginable.
He said the community was begging for the setback to be reduced from 100 metres to 50.
In his contribution, Babatunde, bringing his expertise in e-GIS mapping and urban planning to bear, the demolitions are part of a broader regeneration blueprint designed to transform Lagos into a resilient, investment-friendly megacity.
He pointed to successful precedents, such as the relocation of residents from Oko Baba to purpose-built estates equipped with modern amenities.
“Hundreds of housing units have been provided by the state, ensuring that those affected aren’t left without options,” he said, stressing that decisions are anchored in master plans, safety codes, and environmental benchmarks rather than whims.
He advised developers and residents to adhere to due process, saying: “We must follow regulations to avoid these situations; urban development is about building sustainably for the future.”
Babatunde added that transparency tools, such as e-GIS platforms, allow residents to verify zoning and setback requirements in advance, reducing future conflicts.
Some participants alleged that there were casualties, heavy-handed enforcement, a lack of compensation, and unclear relocation timelines. One queried the emotional toll.
Responding, Omotoso said: “We understand the pain this causes, but speculation only fuels division. Let’s focus on facts and collaborative solutions.”
