According to the activist, many displaced residents are now forced to sleep on their boats on the lagoon, exposing them to hunger, disease, and harsh weather conditions.
An activist, Francis Nwapa, has accused the Lagos State Government of acting with cruelty against thousands of evicted poor residents of the Makoko community, and contempt for the rule of law in the demolition of homes in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nwapa condemned the demolition of more than 1,000 homes, including community-built schools, in Makoko without any relocation plan, resettlement arrangement, or compensation for affected residents.
He said the exercise had rendered thousands of people, men, women, and children, homeless.
According to the activist, many displaced residents are now forced to sleep on their boats on the lagoon, exposing them to hunger, disease, and harsh weather conditions.
“The Lagos State Government has once again demonstrated a cruel and vicious disregard for the lives of poor and working-class people through the violent eviction and destruction of Makoko, a historic waterfront community,” Nwapa said.
“With no relocation plan, no resettlement, and no compensation, over 1,000 homes have been demolished, community-built schools have been destroyed, and thousands of residents, men, women, and children, have been rendered homeless.
“Today, many Makoko residents are forced to sleep on their boats on the lagoon, exposed to hunger, disease, and the elements.”
Makoko is a long-established fishing settlement located on the Lagos lagoon, largely inhabited by fishermen and women who depend on the water for their livelihoods.
Nwapa noted that the community’s makeshift housing is the product of prolonged government neglect rather than criminal activity.
He criticised the state government for what he described as the use of brute force and repression, instead of providing basic services, infrastructure, and decent housing for residents.
“Instead of providing basic services, decent housing, and infrastructure, the Lagos State Government has chosen brute force and repression,” Nwapa said.
“This is not development; it is a calculated act of class repression, clearing the poor to make way for the interests of the rich, property speculators, and political elites.”
The activist further condemned the demolitions carried out by the state government in defiance of existing court judgments and orders restraining the Lagos State Government from demolishing homes in Makoko.
He described the action as open contempt of court and warned that disobedience to judicial orders by government authorities undermines public confidence in the justice system and promotes impunity.
“By proceeding with these evictions, the government is acting in open contempt of court,” he stated.
“Disobedience to court orders by those entrusted with the duty to uphold the law sets a dangerous and shameful precedent.
“When a government that should lead by example chooses lawlessness, it erodes public confidence in the justice system and promotes impunity.”
Nwapa also cited Section 16(2)(d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which directs the state to ensure the provision of “suitable and adequate shelter” for all citizens.
He said the destruction of homes without providing alternatives contradicts this constitutional responsibility.
Nwapa stated, “The repression of Makoko once again confirms that under capitalism, the poor are treated as expendable obstacles to profit.
“A system that routinely displaces working people in the name of 'development’ exposes its own injustice and brutality.
“This reality underscores the necessity for a united struggle of working people to challenge and ultimately overthrow a system that thrives on inequality.”
Calling for urgent action, the activist demanded an immediate halt to all demolitions in Makoko, full compliance with court orders, accountability for officials allegedly involved in contempt of court, and the provision of affordable public housing in line with constitutional provisions.
“Anything short of this is an unforgivable assault on human dignity, the rule of law, and the rights of the working poor,” Nwapa stressed.