Lagos Insists on Demolishing Makoko Shanties Within 100 Metres of Power Lines

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its plan to clear all shanties situated less than 100 metres from high-tension power lines in the Makoko waterfront community.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, made the declaration on Monday during a meeting with traditional leaders from Makoko who had appealed for the demolition threshold to be reduced to 30 metres.

Oki explained that while federal regulations require a 250-metre setback from power lines for safety, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had compassionately reduced it to 100 metres to minimize displacement. He emphasized that the state would not compromise further.

“If any of that cable lands on the water, 80% of you will be gone, and we can’t be begging you to save your lives,” Oki stated. “We are clearing everything on the waterfront down to Bariga. There’s no going back.”

He added that the governor has also directed residents to paint the roofs of their wooden houses a uniform colour within two months to improve the area’s aesthetics, particularly as seen from the Third Mainland Bridge.

Speaking for the community, High Chief Yusuf Segrakumayono, the Baale of Sogunro Ajagungbade, assured that Makoko would comply with the state’s directives.