Lagos, Nigeria – In a series of demolitions that began in late December 2022, the Lagos State government forcibly evicted thousands of residents from the Makoko floating settlement, displacing families and destroying homes. Tunde Agando, a 30-year-old resident, returned from the market on a January afternoon to find his family’s home reduced to rubble by an excavator. The destruction claimed not only their property but also his barber shop, leaving him and 15 others in a precarious situation.
The government cited safety concerns related to the proximity of homes to electric power lines, ordering residents to move back by 100 metres (109 yards). However, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have reported that demolitions extended between 250 and 500 metres (approximately 270 to 550 yards) into the settlement. This led to significant loss of life, with more than 12 people, including infants, dying during the eviction process.
As families grapple with their new reality, Agando described the trauma of losing everything: “We now sleep on mats under a shed outside our pastor’s house while we try to look for our lost belongings and figure out what to do next.” The situation has left many residents, who rely on fishing and local economies, in a state of despair.
Community’s Resilience Amidst Destruction
Makoko, known as the “Venice of Africa,” is a historic fishing village that dates back to the 19th century. Built on stilts, it is home to approximately 200,000 people who depend on the waterways for their livelihoods. Despite being a slum, its vibrant culture and economic significance make it a notable part of Lagos.
The demolitions have transformed what was once a picturesque settlement into a landscape filled with debris. Residents have expressed their frustration at the government’s actions, with Innocent Ahisu, a community leader, stating, “They did not stop where they said they would; they just kept demolishing the whole place.” The absence of a resettlement plan or compensation has heightened fears among the displaced.
Phoebe Ekpoesi, a mother of three, shared her plight after losing her home. “Makoko is everything we have. My family lives here, my children go to school here, and we do not have anywhere else to go,” she lamented. The executive director of Spaces for Change, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, emphasized the broader social repercussions, noting the disruption to education and increasing homelessness, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Historical Patterns of Eviction and Future Implications
The recent demolitions reflect a troubling history of forced evictions in Lagos. Activists have pointed out that such actions often serve the interests of developers rather than the needs of the community. Reports indicate that the government has plans for luxury developments in the area, which may explain the urgency behind the demolition campaign.
The Lagos State government has defended its actions, with Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotoso, stating, “What we are doing is not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are clearing areas to ensure they do not encroach on the Third Mainland Bridge and to keep residents away from high-tension lines.” However, critics argue that safety concerns are being used as a pretext for gentrification.
As the situation develops, community members have voiced their discontent through protests, demanding dialogue with the government. A recent demonstration was met with police force, further escalating tensions. A large banner displayed during the protest read: “A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor.”
The Lagos State House of Assembly has since reached a temporary agreement that prohibits rebuilding on demolished structures, while a committee will assess compensation. Yet, for many like Agando, the future remains uncertain. He and his family are contemplating relocating to Ikorodu, northeast of Lagos, as they struggle to regain stability.
While authorities promise financial assistance, advocates stress that proper resettlement and compensation should have been prioritized before any demolitions took place. The constitutional mandate requiring negotiation and prompt compensation for evictions appears to have been overlooked, raising significant legal and ethical concerns.
As the community faces the immediate challenge of homelessness, the long-term implications of these demolitions on Makoko’s cultural heritage and social fabric remain to be seen.
