Makoko Demolition Victims May Be Moved To Agbowa – Lagos Assembly

The Lagos State House of Assembly has recommended the relocation of residents displaced by the demolition of waterfront communities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Sogunro to Agbowa in Epe.

The recommendation followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Rules and Business during plenary on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Assembly’s Public Affairs Directorate.

The resolution stemmed from a petition to the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, raising concerns over alleged mass forced evictions and demolitions affecting thousands of residents in the affected communities.

Chairman of the committee, Noheem Adams, said the panel reached its conclusion after holding five meetings with petitioners and conducting an oversight visit involving government agencies and community representatives.

The committee noted that the demolition displaced many residents, including women, children and the elderly, and destroyed homes and property.

It added that the affected communities rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods and have historically lived along the waterfront due to the nature of their work. 

The panel also observed worsening living conditions in the area following the demolitions, raising environmental, health and safety concerns.