By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has urged the Lagos State Government not to reverse the ongoing clearance of buildings erected under high-tension power lines in Makoko.
The group also called for the immediate implementation of a comprehensive urban development plan for the waterfront community.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the coalition described the situation as another chapter in the long-standing tensions between the state government and residents of Makoko, a settlement that has repeatedly come under scrutiny over safety and environmental concerns.
While acknowledging the hardship and loss of livelihoods resulting from the demolitions, the group urged residents and the public not to approach the issue sentimentally, warning that ignoring safety violations could lead to catastrophe.
“We have watched with concern the blame game between the Lagos State Government and residents of Makoko, a waterfront settlement that has become a recurring site of demolitions by successive administrations due to the arbitrary construction of residential and other structures under high-tension power lines and in conditions unfit for human habitation,” the coalition said.
The group recalled that parts of the Makoko community were demolished in 2005 and 2012 as part of government efforts to address threats to public safety.
“For decades, Makoko has stood as one of Lagos’ most controversial urban spaces. To city planners and urban development advocates, it represents a stark reminder of planning failures that must be addressed to save lives and guarantee public safety,” the statement added.
According to the coalition, Makoko’s challenges are significant. The community is estimated to have a population of between 80,000 and 250,000 residents, many of whom live in stilted wooden homes over the Lagos Lagoon, with limited access to sanitation, clean water, electricity and waste management. Residents largely depend on artisanal fishing and informal trade, making them economically vulnerable.
The group noted that successive administrations in Lagos State have labelled Makoko an environmental and security risk, citing issues such as structures built under high-tension power lines, flooding, fire hazards and unplanned development.
“From a regulatory standpoint, these concerns are valid and require decisive corrective action,” the coalition stated.
However, the group demanded renewed sincerity, trust and transparency from both government officials and community representatives, noting that previous engagements appeared to have been undermined by communication gaps and competing interests.
“As we await further intervention on the matter, we demand immediate steps to implement the government’s urban development programme for Makoko in order to avert any avoidable disaster,” the coalition said.
The group specifically called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not to rescind the demolition exercise, arguing that clearing unsafe structures would ultimately protect lives.
“It will be of greater benefit to evacuate residents safely than to risk a tragic incident should a high-tension power line fall into the lagoon,” the statement said.
The coalition further urged all stakeholders to demonstrate utmost sincerity in future engagements to ensure that the interests of Makoko residents and Lagos State are prioritised.
Those who addressed the press conference under the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) included Nelson Ekujumi, Razaq Oladosu, Peter Oparah, Rotimi Falola, Uche Nnadozie, Elijah Ajanu, Shola Omolola, Biola Ogunsanya and Shafiu Mohammed.
