SHACO accuses Lagos govt following Makoko’s demolitions

The Society for Human Advancement and Creativity Organisation (SHACO) has vehemently criticized the Lagos State Government for its ongoing demolition of the Makoko waterfront community, labeling it a violent land seizure motivated by elite interests and executed with complete disregard for human life and dignity.

Following a fact-finding mission to Makoko on January 14, 2026, SHACO characterized the operation as a severe infringement on fundamental human rights and a blatant disregard for the impoverished and vulnerable. They voiced their support for renowned environmentalist Dr. Nnimmo Bassey and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) in denouncing what they termed an illegal and inhumane act.

SHACO emphasized that the so-called urban renewal initiative has precipitated a humanitarian crisis in the historic fishing community. The organization reported multiple casualties, including infants and an elderly woman, allegedly due to tear gas deployed by security forces into residential areas during the demolitions.

The organization noted that approximately half of the waterfront homes in Makoko have been destroyed, leaving thousands of residents homeless and their livelihoods in ruins. They also expressed alarm over what they see as government-backed intimidation, particularly concerning the arbitrary three-day detention of community youth leader Oluwatobi Aide.

During a press conference at the Makoko Community Centre, facilitated by CEE HOPE Nigeria, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, who guided journalists and civil society members on a boat tour of the impacted areas, accused the government of viewing Makoko’s residents as dispensable.

He stated that the recent demolitions reflect a brutal mindset that regards the impoverished as mere obstacles to be removed for the benefit of elite investors and land speculators.

SHACO argued for the preservation and enhancement of Makoko’s unique architecture, cultural legacy, and resilience instead of erasing them to serve private interests. The organization called for an immediate cessation of all demolition activities and demanded urgent relief and compensation for displaced families and those who lost relatives.

Additionally, they urged the Lagos State Government to engage in open discussions with community leaders to identify sustainable housing options that do not involve forced evictions.

SHACO condemned the situation as morally unacceptable, warning that any city designed solely for the affluent is one that has lost its essence.

SHACO is a non-governmental organization dedicated to social justice, human rights, and advocating for creative and sustainable solutions in community development.