Makoko, the historic floating fishing community in Lagos, has been plunged into crisis following an ongoing demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government, leaving thousands of residents homeless and struggling to survive.
Entire rows of wooden homes and shops have been pulled down, forcing families, many of them women, children, widows and the elderly, to sleep inside canoes, under open skies and along the lagoon. Displaced residents say demolition activities began quietly in December 2025 and expanded gradually, with little consultation or warning.
Makoko residents, whose livelihoods depend largely on fishing, trading and small-scale businesses operated from their homes, say the demolitions have wiped out both shelter and sources of income. Many reported losing fishing nets, canoes, cash savings and household items. Parents say hunger has become widespread, while several children have reportedly dropped out of school due to lack of funds and destroyed learning materials.
Residents further allege that some demolitions were carried out overnight, triggering panic as families fled with little or nothing. They also claim no temporary shelters or Internally Displaced Persons camps have been provided, leaving them exposed to rain, cold and mosquito infestations.
The Lagos State Government maintains that the structures were built under high tension power lines and posed safety risks. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the buildings had long been marked and that compensation was being arranged.
However, residents dispute the claim, insisting that many demolished homes were far from power lines. Civil society groups and public figures, including former minister Oby Ezekwesili, have condemned the exercise, describing it as inhumane and unconstitutional.
As uncertainty persists, Makoko remains a stark reminder of the human cost of urban development carried out without adequate safeguards.
