The community leaders said they initially cooperated with government directives to remove structures within the 30-metre corridor after assurances that affected households would be considered for compensation and inclusion in future regeneration plans.
Leaders of Makoko, Oko Agbon and Sogunro waterfront communities in Lagos state have sent an urgent appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the ongoing mass forced evictions and illegal demolitions that have already displaced more than 10,000 residents.
In a letter dated January 14, 2026 and signed by representatives of various community groups, the residents alleged that demolition activities along the waterfront, which began on December 22, 2025, had gone far beyond the 30-metre setback from high-tension power lines prescribed by Lagos State building regulations.
The community leaders said they initially cooperated with government directives to remove structures within the 30-metre corridor after assurances that affected households would be considered for compensation and inclusion in future regeneration plans.
However, they accused officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development of later expanding the clearance zone to 100 metres, and subsequently allowing demolition to extend to between 275 and 500 metres from the power lines.
“As of 14 January 2026, the demolition has displaced tens of thousands, including the elderly, the sick, women and young children, all now left homeless with nowhere to sleep or keep their belongings but inside their boats,” the letter stated.
The petitioners said they were shocked when the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, allegedly announced on January 5 that the government would enforce a 100-metre setback “as a form of collective punishment,” a provision they insist has no basis in existing laws.
According to the residents, homes, schools, clinics and businesses have been destroyed, threatening the livelihood of communities that have lived for decades on the lagoon.
They warned that unless the exercise is halted, tens of thousands more would be rendered homeless.
The communities made three major demands: an immediate stop to the demolition, urgent provision of relief materials and emergency shelter for displaced families, and rebuilding of structures they described as illegally demolished.
“So long as these essentials are met to avoid further pain and suffering for our people, our communities pledge to continue our cooperation with the development projects that the Lagos State Government seeks to undertake,” the letter added.
The appeal was signed by Makoko Waterfront Secretary, Francis Vitawa; Chief Kunnu Theophilus of Sogunro community; student and youth leaders including Kojah Phineas and Hon. Wusu Amos; as well as religious and community figures such as Isaac Dosugan and Sunday Hunge.
Copies were sent to the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Amnesty International Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission and several civil society organisations.
Efforts to obtain reaction from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were unsuccessful as officials had yet to respond at the time of filing this report.