The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed an immediate suspension of demolition activities in the Makoko waterfront and surrounding communities.
The directive was announced by the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee set up by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Noheem Adams, following a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja.
The decision comes after hundreds of displaced Makoko residents protested at the Assembly last week over the demolition of structures within the community. The protest reportedly caused tension, leading to the arrest of some activists who are currently facing trial.
The state government had earlier defended the demolition exercise, stating that it was carried out to safeguard residents who erected structures under high-tension power lines.
Announcing the Assembly’s resolution, Adams said all ministries and relevant agencies had been directed to halt demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities.
He also requested details of the task force responsible for the demolition exercise, stressing the need for residents to be involved in the process and properly informed of government actions.
Adams assured affected residents that the Assembly would ensure compensation for those whose properties were demolished.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Dr. Babatunde Olajide, reiterated the state government’s commitment to compensating affected residents.
Olajide disclosed that the state government had set aside $2 million since 2021 for the redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront as part of plans to transform the area into a modern water city. He added that the redevelopment would be carried out with consideration for the welfare of residents.
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