Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has defended the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko, insisting that the government is not clearing the entire waterfront community but only removing illegal structures located dangerously close to high-tension power lines and critical infrastructure.

Speaking on Monday, the governor said the action is strictly driven by public safety concerns, particularly the need to prevent disasters around the Third Mainland Bridge and areas beneath high-voltage transmission cables.

Demolition Limited to High-Risk Zones, Sanwo-Olu Says

Sanwo-Olu explained that the affected buildings are mostly shanties erected within restricted safety corridors, noting that regulations require a minimum clearance of 150 to 250 metres around high-tension lines.

“We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are only clearing shanties that have encroached on high-tension areas and are getting too close to the Third Mainland Bridge,” the governor said.

According to him, the government had issued formal evacuation notices more than two years ago to residents within the danger zones, long before the demolition began.

Read Also Sanwo-Olu, Ezekwesili Clash Over Makoko Demolitions

‘This Is About Safety, Not Politics’

The governor stressed that the decision was made in the collective interest of Lagos residents, dismissing claims that the exercise was politically motivated or targeted at vulnerable communities.

“Of what interest would it be for the government to unduly demolish anyone’s property if not for the safety of lives and property?” he asked.

Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a densely populated megacity where government must act decisively to prevent avoidable tragedies.

“We cannot fold our arms and allow calamity or disaster to happen,” he said.

Governor Accuses NGOs of Profiteering

In a sharp remark, Sanwo-Olu accused some local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of exploiting the Makoko situation for financial gain.

He claimed the state government has evidence that certain NGOs received large international grants meant for community development but failed to deliver on their commitments.

“Some organisations are shouting louder than the bereaved because they want to cover their own failures. We are studying the records and we will present evidence,” he stated.

Government to Offer Palliatives and Relocation Support

Despite insisting that affected residents violated planning and safety regulations, Sanwo-Olu said his administration would still act with compassion.

He disclosed that relevant local governments and state ministries have been directed to provide palliatives and relocation stipends to displaced residents.

“You may have done wrong, but government can still show compassion. Our goal is for everyone to live in a safe and secure environment,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu Warns Against Indiscriminate Waste Dumping

Beyond Makoko, the governor also addressed the broader issue of environmental indiscipline in Lagos, particularly the dumping of refuse on road medians and highways.

He announced plans to strengthen the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Public Sector Participants (PSPs) in the 2025 budget.

Sanwo-Olu said the state will:

• Expand LAWMA’s fleet of compactor trucks

• Provide additional waste-management equipment

• Enforce stiffer penalties for environmental violations

“LAWMA has been instructed not only to apprehend offenders but also to ensure they are charged appropriately,” he said.

‘We Cannot Be a Lawless City’

Reiterating his stance on the Makoko demolition, the governor said the exercise was originally scheduled for December 2024 but was extended through 2025 to allow residents more time to relocate.

“We have been patient, but Lagos cannot be a lawless city,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.

The Trenet