The Lagos State Government has justified the recent Demolition of structures in Makoko and other waterfront communities, describing the exercise as a proactive measure to protect lives and property.
The government said the intervention was also targeted at ensuring environmental safety and promoting sustainable urban development across the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, following an engagement aimed at strengthening dialogue between the government and affected residents.
Omotoso said the Demolition of illegal structures in the affected settlements was a necessary intervention to prevent disasters, improve public safety and reposition Lagos as a resilient and sustainable megacity for future generations.
Responding to criticisms branding the exercise as anti-poor, he said the actions were driven strictly by safety, environmental and security considerations.
According to him, many of the demolished structures were erected beneath high-tension power lines and along critical waterways, posing serious risks to residents and the wider city.
“No responsible government will allow people to live under power cables or permit the obstruction of natural waterways,” Omotoso said.
He stressed that the Demolition was preventive rather than punitive, noting that such measures were intended to avert potential disasters and safeguard the long-term future of Lagos.
Omotoso disclosed that the affected communities had been engaged by the government for more than five years, adding that existing laws require buildings to be located at least 250 metres away from high-tension power lines.
He warned that fallen power cables into waterways could result in catastrophic consequences.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde, explained that the Demolition followed detailed safety assessments and long-established urban planning regulations.
According to Babatunde, the exercise aligns with the state’s broader urban regeneration and renewal blueprint.
He cited successful relocation initiatives such as Oko Baba, where residents were moved into modern housing estates, and urged residents to comply with planning regulations to avoid future conflicts.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to balancing development, safety and social responsibility while driving a more organised and sustainable urban environment.
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