The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered an immediate halt to ongoing demolitions at the Makoko waterfront, Oko Agbon, and Shogunro communities, promising affected residents compensation totaling $2 million.
The directive was announced by Hon. Noheem Adams, Chairman of the Assembly’s Ad-Hoc Committee, following a stakeholders’ meeting at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Adams, who is also the Leader of the House, said the resolution reflects the Assembly’s commitment to protecting residents and ensuring they are involved in any redevelopment activities.
“On behalf of the Speaker and all 40 members of the House, we are directing that all ministries stop all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities from today. All demolitions will remain suspended until further notice,” Adams stated.
He assured that residents whose properties were affected by the demolitions would receive compensation. The audience responded with thunderous approval.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Dr. Babatunde Olajide, confirmed the Assembly’s assurance, revealing that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 for the redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront into a modern water city project meeting international standards.
Community leaders expressed satisfaction with the intervention, emphasizing that the government’s actions reflected a true listening to the people. Baale of Makoko, Shogunro, High Chief Yusuf Sagra, described the resolution as “a word of peace,” while Chief Orioye Ogungbure praised the government for demonstrating democracy in action.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, during committee proceedings, stressed the importance of clear communication with residents about any plans affecting them, reinforcing the need for transparency in the compensation and redevelopment process.
The suspension of demolitions and commitment to compensation comes after hundreds of displaced Makoko residents staged protests at the Assembly last week, following heightened tensions and the arrest of several activists, who are currently undergoing trial.