In early January 2026, Lagos State authorities began demolishing illegal wooden structures in Makoko, targeting areas under high-tension power lines and near the Third Mainland Bridge. The operation has displaced over 10,000 residents and destroyed approximately 3,000 homes, along with five schools and two healthcare clinics.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu defended the demolitions as necessary for public safety, citing hazards such as electrocution risks and a recent tanker spill. The government announced measures including food aid, relocation options, and financial grants for affected residents.
However, residents and activists, including former Minister Oby Ezekwesili, have condemned the evictions as disproportionate and harmful to vulnerable communities. Reports indicate at least four unconfirmed deaths linked to the operation, with calls intensifying for urgent resettlement support.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between urban safety initiatives and the rights of informal settlement residents, raising urgent questions about sustainable housing and social protections in Lagos.
