General News Lagos assembly concludes probe into waterfront demolitions

The Lagos State House of Assembly has concluded its investigation into demolitions in three waterfront communities, with affected residents presenting differing demands.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Mr Noheem Adams, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of the affected communities on Thursday in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that the affected communities are Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon.

Adams, who is also Majority Leader, said the committee would submit its findings and the communities’ positions to the Speaker and the 40-member assembly.

He expressed concern over the shifting positions of community representatives during the discussions.

Adams recalled that the communities had initially agreed to compensation but later changed their stance, describing the development as a setback to reconciliation efforts.

At the committee’s final meeting on Thursday, representatives of the three communities presented differing views on compensation and relocation for displaced residents.

The Alase of the Egun community in Makoko, Francis Agoyon, said affected residents should be permanently relocated rather than compensated.

Similarly, the Baale of Makoko, Chief Emmanuel Shemade, said residents preferred relocation to financial compensation.

However, he urged the government to clearly state where displaced residents would be relocated and define the demolition boundaries in Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon.

In contrast, Sogunro representative, Mr Bola Ayande, said the community preferred financial compensation.

Ayande suggested that each affected resident should receive about ₦10 million, noting that an average bamboo house in the area costs about ₦4 million.

Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Association, Tobi Kalejaiye, said the situation had created anxiety among residents.

“The people are jittery about the situation. Whatever the traditional rulers say will be the final decision,” he said.

Leaders of the three communities, however, agreed that government should demolish any structures rebuilt on the affected sites.

Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency told the committee that some demolished structures had been reconstructed.

They requested permission from the assembly to remove the new constructions.

Earlier, the assembly directed the communities to form 10-member committees comprising women, youths, students and traditional leaders.

Our correspondent reports that the move is aimed at resolving disputes and addressing the needs of displaced residents.

The three communities also submitted their reports to the Assembly Secretariat. (NAN)