Lagos Assembly Proposes Relocation of Makoko Residents to Epe

The Lagos State House of Assembly has recommended that residents affected by the demolition of waterfront communities in Makoko, Oko Agbon and Sogunro be moved to the Agbowa area of Epe.

The recommendation followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Rules and Business during plenary on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Assembly’s Public Affairs Directorate.

The Assembly said the decision came after a petition was submitted to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over the ongoing demolition and forced eviction affecting residents in the three communities.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Noheem Adams, said the committee reached its conclusions after holding five meetings with petitioners and conducting an oversight visit with government officials, agencies, and representatives of the affected communities.

According to the report, the demolition exercise displaced many residents, including women, children and the elderly, while homes and personal property were destroyed.

The committee also noted that the communities rely mainly on fishing for their livelihood and have traditionally lived on the water because of the nature of their work.

Lawmakers further observed that living conditions in Makoko and nearby areas worsened after the demolition, creating environmental and health concerns and increasing safety risks.

Based on its findings, the Assembly recommended that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu direct the Special Adviser on E GIS to review the enumeration report submitted by the Makoko, Sogunro and Oko Agbon communities.

The lawmakers also proposed relocating the remaining residents to a planned low-cost housing estate in Agbowa, where they would still be able to continue their fishing activities.

Adeshina Oyetayo, Special Adviser on Research, Media and Documentation to the Speaker, confirmed the recommendation, saying it represents the official position of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The proposal comes after the controversial demolition of structures in the Makoko, Oko Agbon and Sogunro waterfront communities in late December 2025 and early January 2026.

The exercise displaced thousands of residents in the lagoon settlements and triggered protests from community members and civil society groups, who criticised the action and called for proper resettlement and compensation plans.