A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what it described as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community on the Lagos Lagoon, calling for an immediate halt to the exercise.
In a joint statement, the organisations alleged that demolition activities commenced on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite protests from affected residents and civil society groups. They claimed that government-backed demolition teams have razed homes, schools, health facilities and places of worship, rendering hundreds of families homeless.
The statement cited eyewitness accounts alleging that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams deployed tear gas and used excessive force on residents, including women, children and the elderly. As a result, many displaced families are reportedly taking refuge in boats, churches and open spaces along the lagoon while seeking temporary shelter.
According to the coalition, the Makoko demolition reflects a broader pattern of forced evictions across Lagos. Over the past year, thousands of residents in other waterfront and informal settlements—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki and Precious Seeds—have allegedly faced similar demolitions, often carried out without adequate notice, consultation or resettlement arrangements.
The groups also referenced previous demolitions in communities such as Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga and Ifelodun, accusing the Lagos State Government of repeatedly disregarding court orders restraining such actions. They further alleged that forced evictions over the years have been linked to loss of lives.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process and the rule of law,” the statement said, adding that the demolitions violate provisions of the Nigerian Constitution as well as the country’s international human rights obligations, while worsening the housing crisis in Lagos.
The coalition urged the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, comply with existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse by security personnel, and ensure fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also called on the authorities to embrace inclusive, rights-based and environmentally sustainable urban planning approaches that protect livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was endorsed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
