LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) – In a harrowing account of forced displacement, Victor Ahansu and his family experienced a rude awakening when bulldozers arrived at their home in the historic community of Makoko, Lagos. On January 11, they were among thousands whose homes were demolished during a wave of mass evictions impacting the area. This community, notable for its stilted houses above the lagoon, has housed tens of thousands for decades.
Today, Victor, his wife, and their 5-month-old twin babies find themselves living in a wooden canoe, using a woven plastic sack for protection from rain. The atmosphere in Makoko is filled with the sound of hammers as other residents attempt to salvage their belongings from the ruins of their homes. Victor, who works as a fisherman, expressed his inability to earn a living as he stays close to his family, fearing more government actions.
Makoko, one of Africa’s largest waterfront communities, has been a focal point for nonprofit initiatives and development ideas like floating schools but is now under threat from developers and government authorities who view it as prime property suitable for upscale developments. Approximately 3,000 homes have been demolished since late December, displacing an estimated 10,000 people, according to local advocacy groups. Residents maintain that they have lived in the area legally, yet Nigeria’s Land Law grants the government the authority to seize land for public purposes.
The history of mass evictions in Lagos is long, with hundreds of thousands displaced since 2023 when the current state government took office. Protests erupted across Lagos in response to these mass evictions, with police resorting to tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The government's actions, aimed at urban development to accommodate the city’s growing population, have put marginalized communities like Makoko at risk.
Local residents reported that they were informed to move 100 meters away from an electricity line, but the demolitions extended beyond that limit. Officials from the Lagos state’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development did not address these claims directly but referred to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's comments which defended the evictions as necessary for safety due to the encroachment of communities on critical infrastructure.
Concerns regarding the allocation of space in Makoko to private construction companies highlight the perceived exploitation of vulnerable communities. Advocacy group co-director Megan Chapman noted that rapidly developing cities often target impoverished neighborhoods under the pretext of development, sidelining the rights of their residents.
Makoko, established in the 19th century and often referred to as the "Venice of Africa," faces significant challenges due to a lack of basic services. Displaced residents find themselves in dire situations, with the high cost of living in Lagos exacerbating their plight. Rent prices are among the highest in Africa, making it nearly impossible for those displaced to find affordable housing. A room in a shared tenement can cost around 700,000 naira (approximately $500) annually, while the minimum wage stands at 77,000 naira ($55).
Basirat Kpetosi, one of the many displaced, expressed her despair as she prepared to sell fried dough at the site of her demolished home. Her family of six has been left without shelter after their house was destroyed on January 9. She constructed her home of bamboo and aluminum sheets last year and reports that no compensation was provided for her loss, nor has there been any plan for resettlement, violating legal precedents established by court rulings in Lagos regarding the treatment of displaced individuals.
Kpetosi’s situation is emblematic of the ongoing struggles faced by residents of Makoko. As they navigate the aftermath of the evictions, many are left exposed to the elements, searching for a path forward in a city that has increasingly prioritized development over the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.
