By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Makoko residents protesting |
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The historic waterfront community of Makoko is reeling from a wave of destruction as the Society for Human Advancement and Creativity Organisation (SHACO) issued a scathing condemnation of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing demolition exercise.
Following a fact-finding mission on January 14, 2026, SHACO labeled the operation a "violent land grab" designed to displace the poor in favor of elite real estate interests.
The demolition has sparked a massive humanitarian crisis in the world-renowned stilt settlement. SHACO reports that approximately 50% of the waterfront houses have already been leveled, leaving tens of thousands of residents homeless. The organization, alongside the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities against the vulnerable fishing community.
The human cost of the "urban renewal" project has been devastating. SHACO confirmed harrowing reports of multiple deaths, including infants and an elderly woman. Witnesses allege these fatalities were caused by the heavy-use of teargas fired by security operatives into densely populated residential areas.
Beyond the physical destruction, SHACO highlighted a climate of state-backed intimidation. The group pointed to the arbitrary three-day detention of youth leader Oluwatobi Aide as evidence of a "calculated attempt" to silence community resistance and prevent leaders from speaking out against the displacement.
At a press conference hosted by CEE-HOPE Nigeria, renowned environmental activist Dr. Nnimmo Bassey slammed the government’s approach. After leading a boat tour of the rubble-strewn waters, Bassey argued that the state is treating Makoko residents as "human scrap" to be cleared for the pleasure of wealthy land speculators.
"Any city built only for the rich is a city that has lost its soul," SHACO stated, emphasizing that Makoko’s unique architecture and cultural heritage should be upgraded and preserved rather than eradicated.
As the crisis unfolds, civil society organizations are making three urgent demands to the Lagos State Government: Immediate Moratorium: An instant halt to all demolition activities on the Makoko waterfront. Compensation and Relief: Urgent humanitarian aid for displaced families and full legal compensation for those who lost loved ones and livelihoods. Transparent Dialogue: A shift toward inclusive urban planning that integrates the community into housing solutions rather than resorting to forced evictions.