CSOs condemn forced eviction of Lagos’ Makoko residents

By : Guardian Nigeria

Date: 9 January 2026 7:46pm WAT

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Makoko. Photo Credit: Olayide Soaga

Makoko. Photo Credit: Olayide Soaga

The Justice Empowerment Initiative and the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, alongside other civil society organisations, released a statement condemning the Lagos State Government’s ongoing eviction of residents around the Makoko, Oko Agbon and Sogunro areas.

According to the press release, this forced ejection threatens thousands of people with displacement without any form of resettlement, in violation of subsisting court orders and Nigerian and international law.

It was stated in the press statement that the people of the community complied with the first phase of the demolition exercise in December 2025, which involved the clearing of a 30-metre setback from the high-tension power line that passes between the waterfront communities and the Third Mainland Bridge.

According to the statement, the community leaders reassured the residents that the Lagos State Government would offer some form of compensation for those affected by the first phase of the demolition. Also, in the statement, the civil society group said that the people of these communities cooperated with the Lagos State Government based on the promise that there would be protection of other parts of the communities.

According to the house numbering, which was conducted by the Makoko community youth with support from the Justice Empowerment Initiative and the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation from 2020 to 2021, the population of Makoko was above 80,000.

The organisations stated that Makoko and its neighbouring communities are more than just a home; it has become a Lagos icon where people from around the world come to appreciate its culture, architecture and community life.

The organisations stated that the forced ejection is as heartless as any, taking place during the festive season and the worst economic crisis Nigeria has seen in decades. According to the statement, many have been displaced, forced to sleep in other people’s homes and in open canoes.

The forced eviction was branded the worst since the military era. Some of the civil society organisations involved in this press release include the Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Hope (CEE-HOPE), Global Rights, and Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI).

They condemned the forced evictions in no uncertain terms, while also imploring the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to put a stop to these demolitions.

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