Rights group accuses Lagos State Government of unlawful evictions, destruction of homes and livelihoods in Makoko, warns of escalating humanitarian crisis.
By Palang Paul
Global human rights organization Amnesty International has issued a forceful condemnation of the Lagos State Government for what it describes as the “ongoing unlawful and violent demolition” of Makoko, a historic fishing community on the Lagos Lagoon.
The group calls for an immediate end to what it terms “attacks on lives and livelihood.”
In a statement released Wednesday, Amnesty detailed that Lagos state authorities deployed heavily armed security personnel who carried out demolitions starting January 5, 2026.
The operation led to the widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, including homes, schools, shops, places of worship, and healthcare facilities. Amnesty labeled the action “a demonstration of utter disregard for human rights.”
The demolition in Makoko is presented not as an isolated incident, but part of a sustained pattern. The statement notes that since 2016, thousands of families have been stranded by such actions, “with many losing everything – including their means of livelihood.” Amnesty accused the government of repeatedly using forced evictions to acquire land from impoverished communities, with devastating consequences.
Citing a recent example, the group highlighted the violent forced eviction of the Ilaje-Otumara community on March 7, 2025, which it says rendered over 10,000 people homeless.
“Every now and then the Lagos state government uses forced evictions to take land from people living in poverty, regardless of the impact of such action on the affected communities that always end up destitute,”
The organization challenged the government’s urban development narrative, arguing that the vision of a “mega Lagos” must not be built on the suffering of its most vulnerable residents. “Lagos must be an inclusive city, and a mega Lagos must not come at the expense of the lives and livelihood of communities living in poverty who are being punished for the decades of government’s urban planning failures,” the statement asserted.
Amnesty International presented a three-point demand to the Lagos State Government:Place an immediate moratorium on mass evictions.
Place an immediate moratorium on mass evictions.
Investigate the use of violence by security forces during forced evictions.
Provide effective remedy, including adequate housing and compensation, to all those whose rights have been violated in the affected communities of Oworoshoki, Makoko, and Ilaje-Otumara.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government has not issued an official response to Amnesty International’s latest allegations. The report is expected to intensify national and international scrutiny on Lagos’s urban development and housing rights record.
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