Makoko Residents Reject Lagos Relocation Plan Amid Concerns

Residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos State have voiced strong opposition to a proposed relocation plan announced by the Lagos State House of Assembly. Silivest, a representative of the Makoko community, criticized the plan for being made public without prior consultation with the residents.

He emphasized that the community has existed for decades and relies heavily on fishing, necessitating close access to water. The Assembly's chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Noheem Babatunde Adam, stated that the Makoko waterfront belongs to the federal government, contradicting claims by the Oloto royal family, which raised concerns about ownership.

The Assembly recommended that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu direct a special advisor to verify the report on the affected community and suggested the construction of low-cost housing for the residents. The community plans to mobilize peacefully against the relocation, asserting their rights to their ancestral homes and demanding transparency in government dealings.