By Peter Dansu The Society for Human Advancement and Creativity Organisation SHACO has strongly condemned the ongoing demolition of the Mak...
By Peter Dansu
The Society for Human Advancement and Creativity Organisation SHACO has strongly condemned the ongoing demolition of the Makoko waterfront community by the Lagos State Government, describing it as a violent land grab driven by elite interests and carried out with utter disregard for human life and dignity.
Speaking after a fact finding mission to Makoko on January 14 2026, SHACO said the operation amounts to a gross violation of fundamental human rights and an open show of contempt for poor and vulnerable citizens. The organisation aligned with renowned environmental activist Dr Nnimmo Bassey and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation HOMEF in denouncing what it called an illegal and inhumane exercise.
According to SHACO, the so called urban renewal has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the historic fishing settlement. The group confirmed reports of multiple deaths including infants and an elderly woman allegedly caused by teargas fired by security operatives into residential areas during the demolition exercise.
SHACO further revealed that about half of the waterfront houses in Makoko have already been destroyed leaving tens of thousands of residents homeless with their homes and livelihoods reduced to rubble. The group also raised concern over what it described as state backed intimidation following the arbitrary three day detention of community youth leader Oluwatobi Aide.
At a press conference held at the Makoko Community Centre hosted by CEE HOPE Nigeria, Dr Nnimmo Bassey who led journalists and civil society members on a boat tour of the affected areas accused the state government of treating Makoko residents as expendable.
He said the latest attacks represent the most violent expression of a mindset that sees the poor as human scrap to be cleared away for elite profit and the pleasure of land speculators and the wealthy.
SHACO argued that Makoko’s unique architecture cultural heritage and resilience should be preserved and upgraded rather than wiped out to satisfy private interests. The organisation called for an immediate halt to all demolition activities and demanded urgent relief and compensation for displaced families and those who lost loved ones.
It also urged the Lagos State Government to engage in transparent dialogue with community leaders to develop sustainable housing solutions that do not involve forced eviction.
Describing the situation as morally repugnant SHACO warned that any city built only for the rich is a city that has lost its soul.
SHACO is a non governmental organisation committed to social justice human rights and the promotion of creative and sustainable solutions for community development.
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