Lagos must develop Makoko for masses — proposed relocation unaccepted, says Falana

Femi Falana, the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has asked the Lagos state government to develop the Makoko waterfront settlements for the masses.

Falana spoke on Tuesday during a press conference organised by the Coalition Against Demolitions, Forced Evictions, Land Grabbing and Displacements, in Lagos.

In December 2025, the Lagos state government commenced demolition of waterfront settlements in Makoko along the Third Mainland bridge — a development that led to displacement of many residents.

The affected communities protested the demolition exercise and petitioned Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the Lagos assembly.

Recently, the Lagos assembly proposed that the state government should relocate residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro waterfront communities, to Agbowa in Epe LGA of the state.

Demolition exercises were also carried out in Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, and Baba-Ijora communities of Lagos.

Speaking during the press conference, Falana, the counsel to the demolished communities, said the affected residents of Makoko community have rejected the relocation proposed by the assembly.

The senior advocate said since the announced relocation plan, the Lagos government is yet to make any statement regarding the development.

While citing a 2006 project initiated by the World Bank for nine slums in Lagos, including Makoko, Falana said the Lagos government must emulate the initiative and develop the waterfront communities for the benefits of the “poor masses”.

The human rights lawyer said the people of Makoko and other waterfront areas desire to live in their communities and that the government must carry out developmental projects.

Falana accused the state government of displacing Makoko residents in order to sell out the waterfront communities “for the development of luxurious homes”.

He said the Lagos government is yet to comply with the court judgements, which were ruled in the favour of the demolished communities.

“No government has the power to render citizens homeless. If for any developmental purposes, the government decides to take over my property, alternatives must be provided or payment of compensation, that is fair and just,” Falana said.

“We are, therefore, demanding the compliance to the judgment of the Lagos court, federal high court, and ECOWAS court in Abuja, which have ruled in favour of the waterfront communities in Lagos.

“We are here to say enough is enough! We are not going to allow any demolition of settlements again either in Lagos or any other parts of the country.

“The Lagos government in partnership with UN agencies must start the development of water cities in the waterfront communities.

“Lagos has no court order to take people from Makoko to Agbowa. People affected must be carried along. The proposal was rejected by the waterfront communities and their allies across the country. Develop where we are. Our people want to live a life of dignity.”