- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate suspension of all demolition activities at the Makoko waterfront and neighbouring communities.
Mr Noheem Adams, chairman of the House ad-hoc committee, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement with leaders from affected waterfront communities in Lagos on Tuesday.
This is coming under the heels of the protests staged last week by displaced Makoko residents at the assembly complex.
The protests reportedly heightened tensions and led to the arrest of some demonstrators.
As part of the response to the protest, the Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, constituted the committee with Adams as its chairman.
In his address, Adams said the assembly resolved that all ministries, departments and agencies involved must halt demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro with immediate effect.
“The House has requested full disclosure of the composition and mandate of the task force coordinating the exercise.
“The government must ensure transparency and include affected residents in all decision-making processes.
“The Assembly assures residents that demolitions remain suspended and compensation will be paid to those already affected,” he said.
The announcement was greeted with cheers from community representatives at the meeting.
Community leaders expressed satisfaction with the assembly’s intervention and commitment to dialogue.
An affected resident, Mr Tomi Ipaye, described the suspension as a positive step toward resolving the crisis through constructive engagement.