24 January, 2026
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the demolition in Makoko is not affecting the whole community.
Sanwo-Olu daid: “We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are clearing the shanties so they do not get to the Third Mainland Bridge and stay behind the high tension.
Speaking on Monday, he assured residents of the State that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring safety of lives and property in the state.
Speaking on the ongoing demolition exercise in the Makoko area, Sanwo-Olu insisted that evacuation notices were served over two years before the demolition to those within 150 to 250 metres of high-tension wires.
The governor stressed that the decision of the government was based on the collective interest of Lagos State and the residents and not for any ulterior motive.
Sanwo-Olu said: “People need to understand that it is a big city we are dealing with, and the emergency and safety of lives and properties are paramount that we need to prioritise.
“Of what interest would it be for the government to want to unduly demolish anybody’s property? What interest if it is not for the overall safety of the citizens we are talking about.?
“A lot of the people have built shanties under the high-tension wire, and the regulation is that you need to clear between 150 and 250 metres away from the high-tension wire. We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko; we are clearing the shanties so they do not get to the Third Mainland Bridge and stay behind the high tension.
