Makoko Residents Protest Over Demolition Boundaries

Tensions are high in the Makoko waterfront community as residents began a protest early Tuesday morning. The community is demonstrating against ongoing demolitions that started on December 23, 2025. The protesters are demanding that the Lagos State Government respect an agreement regarding the distance of buildings from high-tension power lines.

Youth leaders in the community, including Florentin Okpe, stated that there was a previous agreement to maintain a 100-meter setback from power lines. However, residents claim that the current demolition exercise is exceeding this limit. They believe the government is encroaching further into the community than was originally discussed during stakeholder meetings.

The protest began as early as 6:00 a.m., with town criers spending the previous day mobilizing the neighborhood. Residents gathered at the waterfront to voice their concerns and protect their homes. They argue that while they understand the safety risks of living near power lines, the government must stick to the agreed-upon boundaries.

​Another community leader, Iroko Temitope, emphasized that the residents are not looking for a confrontation but are asking for fairness. Many families have been displaced since the exercise began late last year, and there is a growing fear that more homes will be lost. The community is calling for an immediate dialogue with state officials to clarify the demolition lines.

As of Tuesday morning, the situation remains a standoff between the community and the demolition teams. The residents insist they will continue to peacefully protest until the state government acknowledges the 100-meter agreement. The Lagos State Government has yet to issue a formal response to the specific claims of boundary violations.