Lagos begins relief for Makoko residents affected by demolition

Lagos State has commenced humanitarian support for residents impacted by recent safety enforcement actions in parts of Makoko, as the government moves to ease the hardship caused by the interventions around high-risk zones.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state is providing palliatives, relocation assistance and other forms of targeted relief to affected families, stressing that government action can combine firmness with compassion.

“While rules must be enforced, the government also has a responsibility to show understanding and provide support,” the governor said.

According to state officials, the relief programme is directed at households situated close to high-tension power lines and other critical infrastructure considered unsafe for habitation. Many of the structures affected were home to several occupants, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

The assistance package includes food items, temporary relocation support and financial stipends, with implementation coordinated through local government authorities and relevant state ministries to ensure timely delivery and accountability.

Sanwo-Olu explained that community engagements were carried out ahead of the enforcement exercise, adding that the objective is to protect lives and infrastructure, not to displace entire communities.

He also disclosed that ministries have been instructed to properly document all relief activities and enhance communication with residents, while the government remains open to reviewing concerns and clarifying the scope of ongoing operations.

The Makoko intervention, the governor noted, reflects the state’s broader approach of balancing urban development and public safety with social responsibility and support for vulnerable residents.