Lagos Housing Crisis Threatens Makoko Community Stability

Folasop Pinheiro, an urban development expert, has warned that the ongoing housing shortage in Lagos is leading to increased displacement in the Makoko community. Recent demolitions have reportedly destroyed 3,000 homes, displacing an estimated 30,000 residents.

The Lagos State Government has been criticized for its inadequate housing delivery, having provided only 9,970 housing units over the past six years, while the population grows by approximately 2,000 new residents daily. Pinheiro emphasizes the historical significance of Makoko, a fishing community established by migrant Egun people in the early 1900s, which has maintained a self-sustaining economy despite limited infrastructure.

The demolitions, which began on December 20, 2025, are said to be part of a broader redevelopment plan aimed at enforcing safety buffers around electrical transmission towers. However, the approach has raised concerns about the lack of community involvement in planning and the need for alternative development models that support residents rather than displace them.