By Kayode Olopade
The Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has called for sincerity and transparency from both the Lagos State Government and residents of Makoko following renewed controversy over recent demolitions in the waterfront community.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the group said the ongoing dispute between the government and residents of Makoko, a densely populated waterfront settlement along the Lagos Lagoon has been characterised by “blame games” rather than constructive engagement.
Makoko, long regarded as one of Lagos’ most contentious urban settlements, has faced repeated demolitions in the past, notably in 2005 and 2012, as authorities moved to address concerns about public safety and environmental hazards
The CGG acknowledged that the community’s challenges are significant. With an estimated population ranging between 80,000 and 250,000 residents, many inhabitants live in stilted wooden structures built over water, with limited access to sanitation, potable water, electricity and formal waste management systems. A substantial number depend on artisanal fishing and informal trading for survival.
Successive administrations have described the settlement as an environmental and security risk, citing unregulated construction, flood vulnerability, fire hazards and buildings erected beneath high-tension power lines.
While noting that regulatory concerns about structures under high-tension cables are legitimate, the coalition said it had gathered that agreements were previously reached between the government and community leaders to remove buildings that violated approved safety distances.
According to the group, residents allegedly failed to fully comply with the terms of the agreement, prompting the government to resume demolition exercises in what it described as the discharge of its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and ensure public safety.
However, the demolitions have triggered anger within the community, with some residents accusing the authorities of exceeding agreed boundaries and acting in bad faith.
“The question is who is telling the truth?” the coalition asked, adding that a lack of trust and communication appears to have worsened tensions.
The group expressed sympathy for families who lost homes and livelihoods but maintained that government must act to prevent avoidable disasters, particularly the risk posed by high-tension power lines running through residential areas.
The coalition commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for intervening in the crisis by constituting a committee of stakeholders and ordering an immediate suspension of further demolitions pending review.
It also welcomed assurances from the state government that affected properties would be enumerated and that the situation would be handled “with a human face.”
In its demands, the coalition urged the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to fast-track the implementation of a comprehensive urban development programme for Makoko to prevent future crises.
The group further called for immediate clearance of structures deemed unsafe, warning that the collapse of a high-tension power line into the lagoon could result in mass casualties.
Above all, the coalition stressed the need for renewed sincerity, transparency and accountability from both government officials and community representatives to prevent further escalation.
The attendance at the press briefing include Nelson Ekujumi, Razaq Oladosu, Peter Oparah, Rotimi Falola, Uche Nnadozie, Elijah Ajanu, Shola Omolola, Biola Ogunsanya and Shafiu Mohammed.
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