Amid growing concerns over demolition activities in Makoko, the Lagos State House of Assembly has stepped in, urging both government agencies and residents of the waterfront community to suspend further action until a legislative investigation is concluded.
The call followed an on-the-spot assessment of the area by a House committee led by the Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, who said the visit was strictly preliminary and not meant for immediate decisions.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Adams explained that lawmakers were still evaluating the extent of the demolitions and could not yet determine whether the exercise complied with approved setback regulations.
“This is not the stage for conclusions. We need to carefully review what we have seen and present our findings to the House”, he said, appealing for calm from all parties involved.
The Assembly had earlier directed a temporary halt to demolition activities after meeting with community representatives at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja. Residents had raised concerns that the demolitions went beyond the communicated 30-metre waterfront setback, claiming that several structures outside the limit were affected.
The Lagos State Government has denied the allegations, maintaining that the exercise was conducted in line with planning laws and that further demolitions were stopped on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The committee is expected to submit its report after completing its investigation, after which the House will determine the next course of action.
About the Author
