Concerns have grown over the humanitarian conditions facing residents of Makoko following recent demolitions that have left several families without shelter and struggling to rebuild their lives.
According to Megan Chapman, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Justice and Empowerment Initiatives, many displaced residents are currently sleeping in boats or erecting makeshift shelters amid the debris left behind after the demolition exercise.
Chapman disclosed this during an interview on ARISE TV on Sunday, March 15, where she described the living conditions as deeply troubling.
“I visited the demolished areas in Makoko yesterday, and there are many families outside amidst the debris with small makeshift structures; some are sleeping in their boats. It is a terrible situation,” she said.
The waterfront settlement, known for its dense population and wooden stilt houses built along the Lagos lagoon, has long been at the centre of debates surrounding urban development, housing rights and environmental concerns in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
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Chapman said residents affected by the demolition have expressed frustration over what they perceive as the absence of meaningful intervention from the Lagos State Government since the structures were pulled down.
She added that fears have also emerged within the community over a proposal by the Lagos State House of Assembly to relocate displaced residents to areas farther away from their current homes.
According to her, many residents believe such a move would contradict earlier assurances reportedly given to the community.
For families whose homes and livelihoods are closely tied to the waterfront environment, relocation to distant areas raises concerns about access to work, schooling and social support systems.
Advocates have therefore called for urgent humanitarian support, as well as dialogue between government authorities and affected residents to address the immediate needs of displaced families and develop sustainable solutions.
The situation in Makoko continues to draw attention from civil society groups, urban development advocates and humanitarian organisations who say the welfare and dignity of vulnerable communities must remain central in urban redevelopment efforts.