The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Lagos State Government to relocate residents of the Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro communities following a demolition exercise that displaced many families.
The lawmakers adopted the recommendations of the House Committee on Rules and Business, making them the official resolution of the Assembly. The decision followed a petition submitted to the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Noheem Adams, said the panel held five separate meetings with petitioners and also carried out an oversight visit alongside relevant government officials, agencies, and representatives of the affected communities.
According to the committee, the demolition carried out by the state government led to the displacement of numerous residents, including the elderly, the sick, women, and children, while homes and other properties were destroyed.
The committee also noted that the affected waterfront communities depend largely on fishing for their livelihood and have historically lived on the water because of the nature of their occupation.
Lawmakers further observed that the demolition worsened living conditions in Makoko and nearby areas, leading to environmental and health risks, as well as increased safety and security concerns.
As part of its recommendations, the committee urged the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to direct the Special Adviser on E-GIS to vet the enumeration report submitted by residents of Makoko, Sogunro, and Oko-Agbon.
The committee also proposed that the remaining residents be relocated to a planned low-cost housing estate in Agbowa, where they can continue their fishing activities.
In addition, lawmakers advised that the government involve the Oloto of Otto Family in the planned Water City Project, acknowledging the family as the original owners of the land.