Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has accused some local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of exploiting the Makoko community for financial gain, claiming their opposition to recent demolitions is driven by profit rather than concern for residents. The governor made the remarks on Monday, January 9, 2026, during the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at Lagos House, Ikeja, addressing criticisms of the state government’s ongoing demolition exercise in the waterfront community.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the demolitions are focused on structures built directly under high-tension power lines and near the Third Mainland Bridge, which violate safety regulations requiring a clearance of 150 to 250 metres. He emphasized that the exercise is not intended to destroy homes indiscriminately, but to protect residents and critical infrastructure. “We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are clearing people so they do not get close to the Third Mainland Bridge and to keep them off the high-tension wire,” the governor said.
The governor further alleged that some NGOs have exaggerated the situation for financial gain, collecting grants in the name of Makoko while failing to deliver on their promises. He stated that the government has been monitoring the organisations’ activities for over two years and has gathered evidence, including videos and communications, to support its claims. Sanwo-Olu dismissed claims that the government intends to wipe out Makoko, describing such narratives as false and deliberately misleading.