The Lagos State House of Assembly has recommended relocating residents displaced by the demolition of waterfront communities in Makoko, Oko‑Agbon, and Sogunro to a new settlement in the Agbowa area of Epe.
According to a statement from the Assembly’s Public Affairs Directorate, the recommendation followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Rules and Business during Tuesday’s plenary session. The report was based on a petition titled, “Urgent Appeal Regarding Ongoing Mass Forced Eviction and Illegal Demolition Threatening Tens of Thousands in Makoko, Oko‑Agbon and Sogunro Communities,” submitted to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
The committee, led by Hon. Noheem Adams, held five meetings with petitioners and conducted an oversight visit with government officials, agencies, and community representatives before reaching its conclusions.
The statement noted that the demolition carried out by the Lagos State Government displaced many residents, including women, children, and the elderly, destroying homes and property. The affected communities rely heavily on fishing as their primary livelihood, and the committee highlighted deteriorating living conditions, environmental and health concerns, and heightened safety risks following the demolitions.
The Assembly recommended that the state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, direct the Special Adviser on E-GIS to verify the enumeration report submitted by the affected communities. The lawmakers also urged the government to relocate the residents to a proposed low-cost housing estate in Agbowa, where they could continue fishing activities.
Adeshina Oyetayo, Special Adviser on Research, Media, and Documentation to the Speaker, confirmed the Assembly’s position to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, saying the recommendation represents the House’s official stance.
The Assembly’s recommendation comes after a controversial demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government between late December 2025 and early January 2026, targeting “illicit structures” near the Third Mainland Bridge. The operation displaced thousands of residents, prompting protests from community members and civil society groups demanding resettlement plans and compensation.
