Makoko Demolition: Outcry as Families Sleep in Canoes, Struggle for Survival After Forced Evictions
A widespread humanitarian outcry has erupted as families in Makoko, a historic waterfront settlement on the Lagos Lagoon, struggle for survival after ongoing demolitions carried out by the Lagos State Government left thousands homeless and without shelter. Many displaced residents have been left with no option but to sleep in canoes tied together on the water, sparking alarm among rights groups and residents alike.
The demolitions, which began in late December 2025, were described by the government as part of an effort to clear unsafe structures near high-tension power lines and to support broader urban renewal plans. However, community members say the demolition has extended far beyond the agreed boundaries and has eroded the very fabric of their livelihoods.
Homelessness, Poverty and Harsh Conditions
Reports from residents describe dire conditions. Many families — including children and the elderly — have had their stilt houses razed without prior notice, forcing them into makeshift shelter on canoes, in churches, or out in the open, exposed to the elements and without basic services like clean water and sanitation.
“I’ve lost my home, and now I sleep in a canoe,” said one displaced resident. “We have nowhere else to go.” Interviews with residents also highlight how fishing, small-scale trading and other livelihoods were disrupted, compounding the community’s hardship.
Journalists and independent observers documented scenes of families drifting on the lagoon at night as rains soaked their flimsy shelters and children struggled with illness.
Health and Social Impacts
Beyond homelessness, the demolitions have triggered health risks and access challenges. Pregnant women have reported difficulty accessing medical care after local clinics were destroyed, and many residents say they fear for their children’s welfare amid food insecurity and harsh living conditions.
Local civil society organisations said disruptions to education, healthcare, and community support systems are deepening the crisis. Schools, places of worship, and community centres were among the structures wiped out in the operation.
Human Rights and Legal Concerns
The demolitions have drawn widespread criticism from human rights advocates and activists. Former government official Oby Ezekwesili condemned the evictions as inhumane and a violation of citizens’ rights, saying authorities were effectively “trying to hide poverty by destroying the poor.”
Civil society groups such as the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and others have condemned the demolitions for being carried out without proper resettlement plans, compensation, or adequate notice, amplifying suffering among vulnerable residents.
Legal advocates have also pointed to court orders restricting such demolitions, and some lawyers have labelled the latest actions by the state as contrary to established judicial directions.
Government Response
Lagos State authorities have maintained that the demolition is necessary for public safety and urban planning. Officials insist that notices were served well in advance, and that only structures in unsafe zones are being cleared.
However, displaced residents and their advocates argue that the implementation has been abusive, disproportionate and far beyond what was originally communicated. Many feel that urgent action is needed to provide alternative housing, social support services, and sustainable futures for Makoko’s displaced families.