Makoko is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the entire city of Lagos. This is because the people living in the area construct houses on stilts above the lagoon. Makoko is a floating slum. This slum is home to thousands of people. These people earn a living from fishing and small trades.
Despite all these, the area still has some challenges. Overcrowding and lack of infrastructure pose hazards to the residents. Presently, the Lagos State Government is working to identify and demolish some of the unsafe buildings.
Background of Makoko Community
People from various ethnic groups call Makoko home. They settled there decades ago for affordable living near the city. The community thrives on water based activities.
Additionally, Makoko lacks formal planning. Structures often sit too close to dangers like power lines. Past events highlight these issues.
For instance, demolitions occurred in 2005, 2010, and 2012. Each time, residents rebuilt without much support. A 2025 scare under former Governor Fashola ended due to global outcry.
Government’s Demolition Campaign
The Lagos State Government launches this latest drive. Officials cite safety as the main reason. Structures under high tension power lines pose risks of electrocution and fires.
Furthermore, federal rules demand a 250-meter setback. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reduces it to 100 meters for compassion. Community leaders push for 30 meters, but the government refuses.
As a result, demolitions extend to the waterfront and Bariga. The campaign aims to enforce urban laws and protect infrastructure like the Third Mainland Bridge.
The Demolition Process
Teams arrive with heavy equipment. They tear down shanties and homes. Police use tear gas to control crowds, which harms residents. For example, two children and one adult suffer from exposure. One child is under a year old. They struggle to breathe and need hospital care.
Meanwhile residents rush to salvage belongings. Wood and zinc fly as buildings collapse. Operations start in late 2025 and Impacts on Local Residents Families lose homes overnight. Many sleep in boats or on streets. Children miss school starts due to chaos.
Moreover livelihoods vanish. Fishermen cannot work effectively. Food shortages hit hard, and poverty deepens. One mother shares her story. She flees without clothes for her kids. Now they face hunger and uncertainty.
Community and Activist Responses
Residents plead for mercy. Leaders negotiate distances to save homes. Yet demolitions continue beyond agreements.
Activists raise alarms. They call it a humanitarian crisis. Groups demand better notice and resettlement plans. However the government insists on safety first. They claim warnings suffice, but critics disagree.
Looking Ahead
The future remains unclear. Residents fear more losses without aid. Calls grow for relocation sites and compensation. Additionally NGOs urge dialogue. Proper planning could balance safety and humanity. Lagos must address these needs soon to prevent further suffering.
