Lagos lawmakers back demolition of illegal buildings, shanties

The members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have expressed support for the state government’s ongoing demolition of structures and shanties erected along shorelines and under high-tension cables across the state.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Stephen Ogundipe, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has embarked on demolition of illegal structures, especially in the Oworonsoki and Makoko areas of the state.

Makoko residents had, last Thursday, protested at the Assembly complex over the demolition of their structures, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stop further demolition.

Ogundipe, the lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency-01, said the exercise was a necessary step to safeguard lives and property of residents in the state.

He said: “It is quite worrisome that we have ramshackle structures, sheds and shanties, especially along shorelines.

“The shorelines have turned to abodes of miscreants/street urchins, kidnappers, touts, street traders and hawkers, who often vandalise public utilities and attack innocent citizens.

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“Although, the demolition exercise may be painful for those affected, it is a necessary step to protect the larger society and uphold the rule of law.

“The government’s action reflects a commitment to preventing avoidable disasters and ensuring sustainable urban development.”

The spokesman said the leadership of the House viewed the exercise as responsible and forward-looking.

Ogundipe called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with government officials, assuring them that their concerns would not be ignored.

He also urged citizens to always comply with building regulations and planning approvals, to prevent future occurrences, stressing that collective responsibility is key to avoiding disasters.

Sanwo-Olu recently explained that the affected structures were cleared to avert potential future tragedies.

The governor noted that many of the buildings posed serious environmental, structural, and safety risks to residents and the general public.

The Star