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Civil society organisations and residents of informal settlements in Lagos State are demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing forced evictions of waterfront communities in Lagos, following a series of demolitions by the state government.
In a joint press statement released today, groups condemned the destruction of homes in the Oko Baba and Ayetoro communities, which began on September 14, and raised concerns over imminent threats to the Sogunro community, part of the Makoko/Iwaya waterfront.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had announced the clearing of “shanties” in Oko Baba on September 14. On the same day, homes and workplaces were reportedly set on fire, displacing thousands of residents. Local media referred to the incident as a “fire outbreak,” but civil society groups claim it was a deliberate eviction.
A day later, on the public holiday commemorating the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday, the nearby Ayetoro community—recognized as the first Ilaje settlement in Lagos since 1912—faced an unexpected demolition. With no prior notice, homes were destroyed, leaving thousands of displaced residents to sleep outside.
On September 17, LASBCA officials and armed officers from the Nigerian Mobile Police Force reportedly entered the Sogunro community, warning residents to vacate before further demolitions, threatening to burn the remaining properties. This has raised alarm among activists, who fear the widespread impact of these actions on already vulnerable populations, especially children, women, and the elderly, during a time of economic hardship.
The joint statement, signed by representatives of Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI) and the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, urged the Lagos State Government to reconsider its approach and opt for community-led development strategies.
They pointed to a recent pilot project for in situ upgrading in Makoko, approved by the government in collaboration with the Dutch-Nigerian firm Nlé, as evidence that inclusive solutions are possible.
“This is a moment for Lagos to embrace a new approach, rather than jeopardizing its future development prospects and destroying tens of thousands more lives,” the statement read, calling for an end to mass forced evictions and the protection of residents’ rights.
The groups highlighted that the forced evictions violate fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and called for sustainable urban development practices that do not displace vulnerable communities.
The joint press statement was signed by leaders of civil society organisations namely Justice and Empowerment Initiative (JEI), Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE)
Global Rights, Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) and Enough Is Enough (EIE).
#SaveSogunro #EndForcedEvictions #SoroSoke
For further details, visit www.justempower.org or www.facebook.com/NigerianFederation.
