Residents of Makoko, Sogunro, and Oko-Agbon communities in Lagos State are experiencing heightened anxiety following the conclusion of an investigative assignment by an ad-hoc committee of the Lagos State House of Assembly, tasked with probing the recent demolition of structures in these areas. The committee, constituted under the leadership of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, wrapped up its hearings on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after carefully considering submissions from representatives of the three affected communities. The discussions revealed divergent opinions on whether displaced residents should receive financial compensation or be relocated permanently. Traditional Leaders Advocate Relocation During the session, Francis Agoyon, the Alase of the Egun Community in Makoko, strongly recommended permanent relocation for residents impacted by the demolitions instead of providing monetary compensation. Supporting this view, the Baale of Makoko noted that the majority of residents would prefer relocation over financial settlements. He emphasized that the government must specify the proposed relocation sites and clearly define the boundaries of the demolition exercise covering Makoko, Sogunro, and Oko-Agbon to avoid future disputes. Divergent Views from Sogunro Community Contrastingly, representatives from Sogunro advocated for financial compensation, proposing that each displaced resident should receive approximately ₦10 million. They argued that this sum would adequately cover the cost of reconstructing an average bamboo house, which is estimated at around ₦4 million. Tobi, Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Association, expressed concern over the escalating tension among residents, noting widespread uncertainty about the final decisions. He explained that the people’s anxiety is fueled by the lack of clarity on the next steps, with ultimate decisions resting in the hands of traditional leaders. Lagos Assembly’s Response Reacting to the submissions, Hon. Noheem Adams, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, highlighted his concern regarding the inconsistent positions of the communities. He recalled that representatives initially agreed on compensation but later shifted toward relocation, a change he described as a setback to the Assembly’s efforts to achieve a prompt resolution. Adams confirmed that the committee would compile a comprehensive report, detailing all positions from the communities, and submit it to the Speaker and the full 40-member Assembly for further deliberation. Reconstructed Structures and LABCA Approval Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA) informed the committee that several structures previously demolished had been rebuilt. LABCA requested the Assembly’s approval to remove these newly erected buildings. Community leaders unanimously agreed that any rebuilt structures within the designated demolition zones should be cleared by the government. Community Committees and Report Submissions Earlier in the process, the Assembly directed the three communities to form 10-member committees, consisting of women, youth, students, and traditional leaders, to address residents’ concerns and help facilitate a smooth resolution. These committees have since submitted their reports to the Assembly Secretariat, outlining community perspectives on compensation, relocation, and rebuilding. The outcome of these submissions is expected to guide the Assembly’s next steps in finalizing decisions and ensuring clarity for affected residents, as the state continues to balance urban planning initiatives with the welfare of local communities.
The Lagos State Government has officially sealed off a construction site designated for a proposed cemetery located within the Bode Thomas residential area of Surulere. This decisive action followed strong resistance and protests from residents of the Natufe and Animashaun community, who voiced deep environmental and health concerns over the project. On Saturday morning, despite heavy rainfall, concerned residents gathered in a peaceful demonstration, carrying placards and expressing their dissatisfaction. According to them, the establishment of a cemetery within a densely populated residential environment poses serious risks to public health and sanitation. They warned that the burial ground could potentially contaminate underground water sources, including the boreholes that many residents rely on for drinking water and domestic use. Such contamination, they argued, could expose the community to severe health issues. Several demonstrators also urged the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to intervene swiftly and ensure that the site remains permanently sealed to prevent future health crises. Residents further emphasized that while they respect the need for burial grounds within the city, placing a cemetery in a closely populated residential zone violates urban planning standards and endangers both the environment and the wellbeing of inhabitants. In response to the public protest, Lagos State environmental officials promptly visited the area to assess the situation. After evaluating the residents’ complaints and inspecting the site, authorities sealed the property to stop further construction activities pending official review. This move by the Lagos State Government highlights its continued commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring that development projects within residential zones comply with the state’s urban and environmental safety standards. As of the time of filing this report, the government has yet to announce whether the proposed cemetery project will be relocated or permanently scrapped.
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The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate and upgrade abandoned buildings and assets in Lagos State. This initiative, aimed at addressing security concerns and reviving dilapidated facilities, was disclosed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, during a recent facility assessment tour in Lagos. Federal Assets in Disrepair Minister Dangiwa highlighted the poor condition of several Federal Government properties, including issues such as lack of water and electricity. These long-abandoned buildings not only pose security risks but also hinder effective use by government agencies. “The buildings that can be directly upgraded by the federal government will receive funding. For others, we’ll partner with the private sector,” the minister explained. Through this collaboration, private investors will rehabilitate facilities, lease them to tenants, and later return them to government ownership after recovering their investment. Key Facilities Assessed The minister visited several notable locations during the three-day tour, including: These properties, many of which became unused after Nigeria’s capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, are now set for potential rehabilitation under the new initiative. Federal and State Collaboration The minister also met with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to foster collaboration between federal and state governments. Both parties agreed to establish a tripartite committee to address concerns and ensure smooth coordination. Addressing Challenges The Controller of Housing in Lagos, Funmilayo Olayiwola, cited issues such as obsolete structures, lack of operational vehicles, and inadequate power supply as key challenges limiting staff productivity. The assessment team prioritized immediate and phased upgrades to address these issues. Continuing the Mission On Thursday, the Minister plans to visit ongoing Federal Government Housing Estates and Projects in Lagos. He will also engage stakeholders on land administration to further streamline operations and enhance productivity. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel. Tags: Nyesom Wike good govern
