By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Demolished houses in Makoko and Lagos State Assembly |
The Lagos State House of Assembly has officially voiced its unwavering support for the state government’s ongoing enforcement exercise, which involves the removal of structures and shanties situated along the state’s shorelines and directly beneath high-tension power cables.
This legislative backing was confirmed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy. In a statement released through the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ogundipe emphasized that the primary motivation behind the executive's action is the protection of human lives and the preservation of public property.
The demolition drive, spearheaded by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has notably impacted high-risk areas such as Oworonsoki and Makoko. Addressing the concerns raised by the exercise, Ogundipe who represents Oshodi-Isolo Constituency-01 stated that allowing ramshackle sheds and shanties to persist along the shorelines creates a breeding ground for insecurity and environmental hazards.
"The shorelines have turned to abodes of miscreants, street urchins, kidnappers, and touts who often vandalize public utilities and attack innocent citizens," Ogundipe noted.
He further argued that while the demolition process is undoubtedly painful for those directly affected, it remains a "necessary step to protect the larger society and uphold the rule of law."
The assembly’s stance follows a recent protest by residents of the Makoko community, who marched to the Assembly complex last Thursday. The protesters, supported by civil society groups like Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt the exercise, citing the displacement of thousands of families and the destruction of livelihoods.
Despite these pleas, the legislative leadership views the exercise as a responsible and forward-looking measure. Ogundipe called on residents to remain calm, assuring them that their grievances would not be ignored. He also stressed the importance of "collective responsibility," urging citizens to comply with building regulations and planning approvals to prevent similar situations in the future.
In a bid to address the humanitarian concerns, the Assembly spokesperson assured that the legislature is committed to balancing strict law enforcement with empathy. Governor Sanwo-Olu had previously defended the move on Monday, January 19, during the signing of the N4.4 trillion 2026 budget, explaining that the state cannot afford to wait for a disaster such as a cable snap or structural collapse before taking action.
The Governor has also instructed relevant ministries to roll out palliatives, relocation options, and financial grants to assist the most vulnerable affected citizens during this transition period.