Lagos Assembly Backs Demolition of Illegal Waterfront, Powerline Structures

The Lagos State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the state government’s ongoing demolition of illegal structures built along waterfronts and beneath high-tension power lines, describing the exercise as a necessary move to protect lives and restore order in vulnerable areas.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, stated this on Tuesday in Lagos, following protests by affected residents.

The demolition, being carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has mainly targeted illegal settlements in Oworonsoki and Makoko. Last Thursday, residents of Makoko stormed the Assembly complex to protest the exercise, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt further demolitions.

Ogundipe, who represents Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, said the government’s action was driven by safety concerns and the need to prevent avoidable disasters.

According to him, many of the demolished structures were makeshift buildings erected along shorelines and other restricted zones, posing serious risks to both occupants and the wider public.

He noted that these areas had increasingly become hideouts for criminal elements, adding that such settlements often encourage vandalism of public infrastructure and attacks on law-abiding residents.

While acknowledging the hardship faced by those affected, Ogundipe said the exercise was in the interest of public safety and long-term urban planning.

He stressed that the Assembly viewed the demolition as a responsible decision aimed at ensuring sustainable development and reducing environmental and security threats.

The lawmaker urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with government officials, assuring them that their concerns would be considered. He also advised citizens to comply with building regulations and planning approvals to prevent similar situations in the future.

Ogundipe further assured that the Assembly would continue to push for a balanced approach, one that enforces the law while also considering the welfare of displaced residents during the transition period.