Makoko demolition: Foundation warns of humanitarian crisis

Makoko demolition

The Foundation for Peace Professionals has raised the alarm over the ongoing demolition of houses in the Makoko waterfront community, warning that the exercise could trigger a major humanitarian and social crisis in Lagos State if not addressed.

The organisation, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, on Sunday and made available to The PUNCH, expressed concern over the manner of the demolition, describing it as inhumane and potentially destabilising.

While acknowledging the constitutional powers of the state government to enforce urban planning regulations and ensure public safety, PeacePro said such enforcement must be guided by human rights principles and social responsibility.

“Makoko is a long-established waterfront community whose residents have lived and worked in the area for generations, adding that the settlement evolved largely due to decades of planning neglect and socio-economic exclusion rather than deliberate disregard for the law,” he said.