A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental and social justice organisations has condemned the ongoing demolition of Makoko and other waterfront communities in Lagos State, describing the exercise as violent, unlawful and a violation of residents’ fundamental rights.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups alleged that since January 5, 2026, armed demolition teams deployed by the Lagos State Government have pulled down homes, schools, clinics and places of worship in Makoko, a historic fishing community located on the Lagos Lagoon. They claimed that force, including tear gas, was used during the operation, affecting women, children and elderly residents.
According to the organisations, the demolitions have left hundreds of families homeless, with many residents forced to seek shelter in boats, churches and open spaces. They further alleged that properties were destroyed without prior notice, consultation or the provision of alternative accommodation.
The groups said the Makoko exercise follows a pattern of demolitions carried out across several Lagos communities over the past year, including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki and Precious Seeds.
They also referenced past evictions in areas such as Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga and Ifelodun, noting that thousands of residents had been displaced over the years, with reports of deaths linked to the evictions.
The statement accused the state government of disregarding due process and court orders, claiming that some of the affected communities had pending cases or injunctions restraining demolition, which were allegedly ignored.
The organisations argued that the demolitions violate provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards, threaten the cultural and economic survival of waterfront communities and worsen Lagos State’s housing deficit.
They called on the Lagos State Government to immediately halt all demolitions, respect court orders, investigate alleged abuses and provide adequate alternatives and compensation to affected residents.
The groups also urged authorities to adopt a rights-based and environmentally sustainable approach to urban development that prioritises housing security, livelihoods and human dignity.
The statement was jointly signed by 23 organisations across Nigeria, Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance and the Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, Norway.
Others include: Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE), Nigeria; Kreative Arts Foundation For Community Engagement (KAFCOME), Nigeria; Oilwatch Africa; Connected Advocacy, Nigeria; International Climate Change Development Initiative, Nigeria; Fishnet Alliance Rivers State; Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD), Nigeria; Coalition for Socioecological Transformation of Nigeria (CoSET); Tubali Development Initiative, Nigeria; FeminismLab, Nigeria; Centre pour la Justice Environnementale Togo (CJE-Togo); Priye Kebbina; We The People, Nigeria; Centre for 21st Century Issues, Nigeria; Ermera Farmers Union, Timor-Leste; Movement for Alternatives and Solidarity in Southeast Asia (MASSA); and Basic Rights Watch.
