The Lagos State Government has clarified that the ongoing demolition and structural removals in parts of the Makoko fishing community are strictly for public safety and not for land acquisition.
Eko Hot News reports that the clarification was given by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development and E-GIS, Dr Olajide Babatunde, during a press briefing on Monday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Dr Babatunde explained that the affected structures are those erected directly beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing them as a serious threat to human lives due to health and safety risks.
He stressed that the exercise is not exclusive to Makoko, noting that similar removals are being carried out across Lagos wherever structures violate safety setbacks around high-tension power infrastructure.
According to him, the state government is prioritising the protection of lives and will not suspend the removal of hazardous structures, regardless of location.
The Special Adviser further disclosed that regeneration of habitable parts of Makoko would be implemented in phases, with human convenience and welfare carefully considered in the redevelopment process.
He added that urban regeneration efforts in Lagos extend beyond Makoko and Oworonshoki, citing communities such as Pelewura, Kantangowa, and Oko-baba that have undergone or are undergoing similar interventions.
Dr Babatunde emphasised that the exercise did not originate under the current administration, but is part of a long-standing policy aimed at environmental sanity and public safety.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to orderly urban development, stressing that no government would knowingly allow residents to live under life-threatening conditions.
The state government urged residents to cooperate with relevant agencies, assuring that all actions are guided by safety standards and the long-term vision of making Lagos a more liveable and secure city.
