The Lagos State Government has defended its recent demolition activities in Makoko, describing the operation as a necessary measure to protect residents and prevent potential accidents near the Third Mainland Bridge and high-voltage power lines.
Speaking during a private breakfast meeting with select Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers at Ikoyi on Friday, organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to mobilise funds for the state’s security in 2026, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that the Makoko operation was undertaken strictly in the interest of public safety.
“I have been accused of destroying Makoko, but the challenge is that the settlement was rapidly expanding toward the bridge and high-tension power lines. I cannot stand by and allow a situation where hundreds of people could lose their lives in a single incident”, Sanwo-Olu said.
He stressed that the government’s intention was not to dislocate residents for political or economic reasons but to relocate them to safer areas and prevent a potential humanitarian disaster. The governor also lamented the lack of timely support from international agencies, noting that appeals for collaborative redevelopment had yielded no tangible results. “For six years, a UN agency promised to support development if funds were brought, yet nothing materialised despite our efforts”, he added.
Sanwo-Olu criticised some non-governmental organisations for allegedly exploiting the situation for donor funding instead of providing practical solutions, emphasizing that the government acted solely to safeguard lives.
Beyond Makoko, the governor called for private sector support in strengthening Lagos’ security architecture through the LSSTF. He highlighted priority needs, including multipurpose security helicopters, drones, armoured personnel carriers, water cannons, tactical training, smart CCTV cameras, patrol vehicles, and enhanced digital communication systems.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos funds more than 50 percent of its annual security budget and credited the trust fund model for promoting transparency and accountability.
He stressed that security, urban planning, and social development must advance together to maintain Lagos’ appeal to investors. “We need to keep our people safe, secure the future, and assure investors that Lagos remains the right environment for growth”, Sanwo-Olu said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to balanced development and public safety.
