The Lagos State Government has reiterated that its ongoing actions in Makoko are aimed at protecting lives, upholding the rule of law and advancing urban renewal initiatives to improve residents’ living conditions.
Speaking on a recent AIT programme monitored in Lagos, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the intervention is not a conflict between the rich and the poor, but a necessary step to ensure safety, legality and humane standards for all Lagosians.
He confirmed that the state government has been engaging the United Nations (UN) on Makoko’s future, noting that the UN has expressed interest in supporting the renewal strategy. Both parties agree that areas beneath high-tension power lines are unsafe and unfit for habitation.
Omotoso disclosed that the government has committed counterpart funding and held several meetings with international partners, including discussions this week, to ensure a sustainable and humane redevelopment process.
He warned that experts have raised concerns about long-term health risks and the potential for catastrophic incidents if the high-tension lines collapse, particularly given the community’s proximity to the Lagos Lagoon and the Third Mainland Bridge.
Describing Lagos as the smallest state by landmass but home to an estimated 25 to 30 million people, the commissioner stressed the need for strict enforcement of planning regulations, adding that legitimising illegal structures in restricted zones would undermine the rule of law.
“We cannot allow individuals to build in unauthorised areas—under power lines or near critical infrastructure—and expect validation after the fact. A city must be governed by laws,” he said.
Omotoso also reaffirmed the government’s respect for peaceful protest but cautioned against actions that disrupt essential services. He maintained that the Makoko intervention is about safety, legality and responsible urban planning, with a commitment to dialogue and respect for human dignity.
