A coalition of prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing forced eviction and demolition of waterfront communities in Lagos. The action, targeting residents in the Makoko, Oko Agbon, and Sogunro areas, is being carried out by the Lagos State Government.
Violation of Laws and Broken Promises
The groups, led by the Justice Empowerment Initiative (JEI) and the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, stated that the evictions are being executed without any form of resettlement or compensation for the displaced thousands. They emphasized that this action directly violates existing court orders, Nigerian law, and international human rights standards.
According to their detailed press release, the communities had initially cooperated with the government in December 2025. This first phase involved clearing a 30-metre safety setback from the high-tension power line running between the settlements and the Third Mainland Bridge. This cooperation was based on assurances from community leaders, following government promises, that affected individuals would receive compensation and that other parts of the communities would be protected.
Scale of the Displacement and Its Impact
The scale of the displacement is massive. A comprehensive house numbering exercise conducted by Makoko youth with support from JEI and the Federation from 2020 to 2021 established that the population of Makoko alone exceeds 80,000 residents. The CSOs describe Makoko and its neighbours as more than just informal settlements; they are iconic Lagos communities with unique culture, architecture, and social fabric that attract global interest.
The timing of the eviction has drawn particular criticism. The organisations branded it as "heartless," noting it was executed during the festive season and amidst Nigeria's worst economic crisis in decades. The consequence is severe humanitarian distress, with many now homeless, forced to seek shelter in neighbours' homes or sleep in open canoes. The action has been called the worst forced eviction since the military era.
CSOs Call for Immediate Government Action
Other organisations endorsing the statement include the Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Hope (CEE-HOPE), Global Rights, and the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI). In unequivocal terms, they have condemned the demolitions and are imploring both the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to immediately halt the ongoing forced evictions. They call for a return to dialogue and a rights-based approach to urban development that respects the dignity and housing rights of all citizens.
