Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has justified his government’s removal of waterfront shanties in sections of Makoko, explaining that the move was aimed at safeguarding residents and averting what he warned could have turned into a major humanitarian crisis.
He made the remarks on Friday during a private breakfast session with a group of Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers in Ikoyi. The gathering was organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to rally support and funding for the state’s security plans for 2026.
Addressing backlash and demonstrations that followed the demolition of buildings near the Third Mainland Bridge axis, the governor said the community had expanded rapidly and was edging too close to sensitive infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the proximity of the structures to the bridge and nearby high-tension electricity lines created serious safety risks. He said the government could not ignore a situation that might endanger a large number of people.
According to him, the clearance was not driven by politics or intended to permanently uproot residents, but rather to move them away from hazardous zones. He maintained that the government’s priority was public safety and preventing avoidable tragedy.
The governor revealed that the state had previously sought collaboration with international development organisations to redesign and upgrade Makoko sustainably, but said those discussions did not produce meaningful results due to funding and support challenges.
He also accused certain non-governmental organisations of using the Makoko situation mainly to attract donor funds instead of delivering practical, long-term solutions.
Speaking more broadly at the event, Sanwo-Olu urged private sector leaders to increase their backing for Lagos security initiatives through the LSSTF. He listed key needs such as surveillance drones, helicopters, armoured vehicles, water cannons, smart CCTV systems, modern communication tools, patrol vehicles, specialised training, and improved police facilities.
He stated that the state government currently covers a significant share of Lagos’ yearly security costs, while the LSSTF continues to maintain public trust through transparency in its operations. He added that upgrades are ongoing at the Command and Control Centre, alongside expansion of the Safe City CCTV programme and stronger emergency response systems.
On education, the governor announced that 35 new junior and senior secondary schools in Tolu, Ajegunle, would be inaugurated next month, with the capacity to serve about 22,000 students and reduce overcrowding in densely populated areas.
He also referenced the relocation of the long-standing Okobaba sawmill cluster to Agbowa, saying the move ended repeated fire incidents after heavy government investment and the provision of more than 500 housing units for affected operators.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that improving safety, security, and social infrastructure simultaneously is essential to keeping Lagos attractive for investment and economic growth.
