Lagos Assembly demolition halt reaffirmed as lawmakers order reconciliation in Makoko and Shogunle and adopt strict development setbacks
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday reaffirmed its directive halting further actions in Makoko and Shogunle communities, following earlier demolitions that sparked concern among residents.
Also read: Lagos Assembly backs water city after Makoko demolitions
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, made the declaration during a committee meeting with community leaders from both areas at the Assembly complex in Alausa.
The Lagos Assembly demolition halt, the lawmakers said, remains in force pending the conclusion of reconciliatory engagements scheduled to be completed within two weeks.
The House also adopted a key recommendation presented by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on E-GIS, Dr Olajide Babatunde.
The resolution establishes a 250-metre setback from the Third Mainland Bridge and an additional 250-metre buffer beyond the power line corridor, effectively prohibiting all forms of development within the designated zones.
Mr Adams said the Assembly, working with the Lagos State Building Control Agency and the E-GIS Office, had directed each affected community to constitute a 10-member committee to facilitate dialogue and compliance.
Mr Adams added that the committees must include women, youths, students and traditional leaders to ensure inclusive and lasting solutions.
Mr Adams urged stakeholders to unite and take decisive steps to address residents’ needs, warning that personal interests must not derail the fragile reconciliation process.
The State Executive Council, Mr Adams disclosed, is finalising compensation arrangements for residents affected by the demolitions, while discussions with community representatives continue.
Reacting after the meeting, Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye, expressed satisfaction with the resolutions reached.
Mr Adefuye said relief materials and palliatives had already been distributed by both the state and local governments to cushion the impact on displaced residents.
Mr Adefuye described the Assembly committee’s two-week timeline as realistic, provided all parties adhere strictly to the agreed directives.
Mr Adefuye also cautioned community leaders against actions that could undermine the painstaking resolution efforts.
Also read: Breaking: Lagos Assembly orders suspension of Makoko demolition
The Lagos Assembly demolition halt underscores the legislature’s attempt to balance urban planning enforcement with social stability, as authorities move to enforce development setbacks around critical infrastructure while seeking a humane and sustainable outcome for affected communities.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
