Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has defended the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko, insisting that the action does not affect the entire community but is limited to shanties erected dangerously close to high-tension power lines and the Third Mainland Bridge, saying, “We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are clearing the shanties so they do not get to the Third Mainland Bridge and stay behind the high tension,” as he explained that evacuation notices were issued more than two years ago to residents living within 150 to 250 metres of the high-tension wires, stressing that the government’s decision was driven by public safety rather than any ulterior motive, adding that “People need to understand that it is a big city we are dealing with, and the emergency and safety of lives and properties are paramount that we need to prioritise,” while questioning, “Of what interest would it be for the government to want to unduly demolish anybody’s property?” and alleging that some local and international NGOs were exploiting the situation for financial gain, noting, “We are aware that there are some local and international NGOs that want to profit from this. We are studying things, and we are going to show evidence,” as he further disclosed that the demolition exercise, initially scheduled for December 2024, was extended throughout 2025, warning that the government could not “fold our arms and let calamity or disaster happen,” and assuring affected residents of compassion through palliatives and relocation stipends, saying, “I have instructed both local governments and the various ministries concerned to see how they also can give additional succour, palliatives and relocation stipends,” while also vowing stricter enforcement against environmental violations, including indiscriminate waste dumping, and increased capacity for LAWMA and its partners to keep Lagos safe and clean.
