What's happened
Lagos authorities have demolished thousands of homes in Makoko, a historic waterfront community, citing safety concerns near power lines. Residents, including families with young children, have been displaced with little warning, living now in makeshift shelters. The evictions highlight tensions between urban development and vulnerable communities.
What's behind the headline?
Critical Analysis
The Lagos government’s eviction of Makoko residents underscores a broader pattern of urban development prioritizing waterfront real estate over vulnerable communities. Official justifications focus on safety near power lines, but evidence suggests economic and political motives, such as reclaiming land for private development. The repeated demolitions, often with minimal notice, reveal a disregard for residents' legal rights and social stability.
This strategy risks deepening inequality, as low-income communities like Makoko are systematically displaced to make way for luxury projects. The protests and reports of deaths during demolitions highlight the human cost of rapid urban expansion. Moving forward, Lagos faces the challenge of balancing infrastructure safety with social justice, or risking further unrest and marginalization of its poorest residents.
The outcome will likely be increased tension between authorities and displaced communities, with potential for international criticism if human rights violations persist. The city’s development trajectory appears to favor economic gains over social cohesion, which could undermine long-term stability and growth.
What the papers say
The AP News reports that residents were given little warning before their homes were demolished, with some living in boats and makeshift shelters afterward. The Independent highlights the human toll, including deaths and children unable to attend school. Meanwhile, All Africa emphasizes the official safety justification related to power lines, but also notes the long history of evictions in Lagos and the potential economic motives behind the land grabs. The contrasting perspectives reveal a complex picture: official safety concerns versus economic interests and social neglect.
How we got here
Makoko, established in the 19th century, is a large waterfront community on Lagos Lagoon, known for its stilt houses and informal settlement status. The Nigerian government has a history of mass evictions in the city, often justified by safety or infrastructure concerns. Recent demolitions began in late December 2025, with authorities citing proximity to power lines and infrastructure safety as reasons, despite residents' claims of little warning and displacement without alternatives.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did Lagos Authorities Evict Makoko Residents?
The recent demolitions in Makoko have sparked widespread concern and questions. Why did Lagos authorities decide to demolish homes in this historic community? What are residents saying about these evictions? And what does this mean for vulnerable communities facing urban development? Below, we explore the key questions and provide clear answers to help you understand this complex situation.
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Makoko is an informal settlement across the 3rd Mainland Bridge located on the coast of mainland Lagos. A third of the community is built on stilts along the lagoon and the rest is on the land.
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Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is a Nigerian Politician and the current Governor of Lagos State. He was announced the governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after contesting and unexpectedly winning the gubernatorial primaries under the
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Lagos, sometimes referred to as Lagos State to distinguish it from Lagos Metropolitan Area, is a state located in southwestern Nigeria.