The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate suspension of the demolition of structures in Makoko and neighbouring waterfront communities in Yaba Local Government Area.
The directive was issued on Tuesday following a meeting between lawmakers and representatives of the affected communities at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja.
Chairman of the ad hoc committee constituted by the Speaker of the House, Noheem Adams, announced the decision while presenting resolutions reached after deliberations with community leaders.
Adams said the Assembly resolved that all ministries, departments and agencies involved in the demolition of structures in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities must halt the exercise until further notice.
He also assured residents whose properties had already been demolished that compensation would be provided.
“All demolitions in Makoko and other waterfront communities are to stop immediately until further notice,” Adams said. “Any task force that may be set up must involve community members and carry them along. As representatives of the people, we assure residents that the demolition has been halted and that those affected will be duly compensated.”
Speaking after the meeting, the Baale of one of the affected communities, Isaac Gunmayon, expressed appreciation to the Assembly for intervening in the matter.
“They invited us to explain what happened, and we were given the opportunity to speak. The decisions taken reflect our wishes, and we are grateful for the way the House handled the issue and gave us hope,” he said.
The demolition exercise, which began in December 2025, has generated widespread reactions from stakeholders, including human rights organisations, legal practitioners and residents, many of whom criticised the action for displacing families.
Despite the backlash, the Lagos State Government has defended the demolition, insisting that it was carried out in the interest of residents of the affected waterfront communities.
