Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has defended his administration’s recent demolition of illegal structures in parts of Makoko, describing the action as a necessary step taken to prevent an impending disaster and protect critical public infrastructure.
The governor spoke during a private breakfast meeting on Friday, with managing directors and chief executive officers of major companies in Lagos.
He addressed concerns over the demolition exercise and appealed for increased private-sector support for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
Sanwo-Olu said the Makoko settlement had expanded rapidly in recent years, with structures encroaching dangerously close to the Third Mainland Bridge and beneath high-tension power lines.
According to him, allowing such development to continue unchecked would have exposed residents and the entire city to grave risks.
He explained that the government’s decision to pull back the settlement was driven by safety considerations and not hostility toward the affected communities.
Sanwo-Olu noted that similar interventions in the past, including the relocation of the Okobaba sawmill, were carried out to prevent recurring disasters and improve urban safety.
Addressing criticism from advocacy groups and individuals, Sanwo-Olu alleged that some organisations had exploited the Makoko situation for donor funding without offering practical or lasting solutions for the residents.
He maintained that the state government remains committed to humane governance while ensuring public safety and orderly development.
Beyond the demolition issue, the governor used the meeting to highlight Lagos’ growing security needs and called on corporate organisations to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, which he said plays a vital role in equipping security agencies across the state.
He stressed that Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s commercial hub makes it imperative to continually invest in security infrastructure and technology.
Sanwo-Olu assured potential contributors that funds would be managed transparently and effectively, adding that improved security benefits residents, investors and businesses alike.
He also announced that the state government plans to commission several new public schools in the Tolu area of Ajegunle in the coming weeks, as part of efforts to expand access to quality education in densely populated communities.
The demolition in Makoko has continued to generate public debate, with protests reported in parts of Lagos and calls from critics for better consultation and resettlement plans.
However, the governor insists that his administration’s actions are guided by the need to safeguard lives, infrastructure and the long-term future of the state.
