Makoko demolition panel hears communities’ positions on compensation, relocation
Residents of Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon communities in Lagos have expressed growing concern following the completion of the investigation by an ad-hoc committee of the Lagos State House of Assembly into the demolition of buildings in the affected areas.
The committee, set up by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, ended its review on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after receiving submissions from representatives of the three communities. During the session, different opinions were presented on how the government should address the situation of residents displaced by the demolition exercise.
Francis Agoyon, the Alase of the Egun Community in Makoko, recommended that affected residents should be permanently relocated rather than compensated with money.
The Baale of Makoko supported the proposal, explaining that many residents would prefer relocation. He also called on the state government to clearly identify the relocation site and specify the exact areas affected by the demolition across Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon.
However, representatives of the Sogunro community argued in favour of financial compensation. They proposed that each displaced resident should receive about N10 million, noting that constructing a typical bamboo house in the community costs around N4 million.
The Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Association, Tobi, said the differing views had created uncertainty among residents, leaving many anxious about the outcome of the process. He added that traditional leaders would ultimately guide the final position of the communities.
Responding to the discussions, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Noheem Adams, said the committee was concerned about the shift in positions by some community representatives. He noted that earlier discussions suggested agreement on compensation before the new proposals emerged.
Adams explained that the committee would document the submissions made during the meeting and present its findings to the Speaker and the full Assembly for further action.
Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency informed the committee that some buildings previously demolished had been reconstructed. The agency therefore requested approval from the Assembly to remove the newly built structures.
Community leaders from the affected areas later agreed that the government should proceed with the demolition of any structures rebuilt on the designated sites.
Before the meeting, the Assembly had directed the communities to form 10-member committees comprising women, youths, students and traditional leaders to help address the concerns of displaced residents and support the resolution process. The reports from those committees have now been submitted to the Assembly Secretariat.
