Lagos Assembly Backs Demolition of Illegal Shoreline, High-Tension Structures
The Lagos State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the state government’s ongoing demolition of illegal structures and shanties erected along shorelines and under high-tension power lines across the state.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, disclosed this in a statement made available on Tuesday, stressing that the exercise was necessary to safeguard lives and property.
Ogundipe, who represents Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, said the state government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, was right to clear illegal structures, particularly in the Oworonsoki and Makoko areas.
His comments followed a recent protest by residents of Makoko at the Assembly complex, where they appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt the demolition of their homes.
Describing the exercise as painful but unavoidable, Ogundipe said many of the affected areas had become unsafe and unregulated settlements.
“It is quite worrisome that we have ramshackle structures, sheds and shanties, especially along shorelines,” he said. “These areas have turned into havens for miscreants, kidnappers, touts and street traders who often vandalise public utilities and attack innocent citizens.”
He added that although the demolition had caused hardship for those affected, it remained a necessary step to protect the larger society and uphold the rule of law.
According to him, the leadership of the Assembly views the exercise as a responsible and forward-looking decision aimed at preventing avoidable disasters and promoting sustainable urban development.
Ogundipe urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with government officials, assuring them that their concerns would not be ignored. He also called on citizens to always comply with building regulations and planning approvals to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He further assured that the Assembly would continue to balance enforcement with empathy, ensuring that while laws are upheld, affected residents are not abandoned during the transition.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier explained that the demolition of the structures was carried out to avert potential future tragedies, noting that many of the buildings posed serious environmental, structural and safety risks.
The governor stressed that the state could not afford to wait until disaster strikes before taking decisive action, adding that although the measures might be difficult, they were necessary to prevent loss of lives and large-scale destruction.
Sanwo-Olu also assured affected residents that the state government was ready to provide support and assistance where necessary.
