The Lagos State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its directive suspending further demolition activities in Makoko and Shogunle communities, pledging to conclude reconciliation efforts with affected residents within two weeks.
The resolution was restated during a committee meeting held Thursday between lawmakers and community leaders from the impacted areas. The House emphasized its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution following earlier demolition exercises that sparked concerns among residents.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, represented at the meeting by Majority Leader Noheem Adams, disclosed that the Assembly, in collaboration with the Lagos State Building Control Agency and the E-GIS Office, had directed each affected community to constitute a 10-member reconciliation committee.
According to Adams, the committees must reflect broad representation, including women, youths, students and traditional leaders, to ensure inclusive engagement and lasting solutions. He urged stakeholders to set aside personal interests and focus on collective progress.
The House also adopted recommendations presented by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on E-GIS, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, establishing a 250-metre setback from the Third Mainland Bridge, along with an additional 250-metre buffer beyond the power line corridor. The measure effectively prohibits all forms of development within the designated zones.
Adams further revealed that the State Executive Council is finalising compensation arrangements for affected residents as discussions continue.
Reacting after the meeting, Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bayo Adefuye, expressed satisfaction with the resolutions reached. He noted that relief materials and palliatives had already been distributed by both the state and local governments to cushion the impact on displaced residents.
Adefuye described the Assembly’s two-week timeline as realistic and urged residents to comply strictly with the directives. He also cautioned community leaders against actions that could undermine the reconciliation process.
The Assembly reiterated that the temporary halt on demolitions remains in force pending the outcome of the reconciliation efforts.
