A peacebuilding and human rights group, the Foundation for Peace Professionals, also known as PeacePro, has raised concerns over the ongoing demolition of homes in the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro warned that the demolitions, if unchecked, could trigger a humanitarian and social crisis in the state.
While acknowledging the Lagos State Government’s authority to enforce urban planning and safety regulations, the group said enforcement without humane safeguards undermines justice and public trust.
PeacePro described Makoko as a long-established community, noting that residents have lived and worked there for generations and that the settlement is the result of decades of planning neglect rather than deliberate lawlessness.
The organisation said demolitions carried out without proper consultation, compensation or resettlement have left many residents displaced, with women and children most affected.
Hamzat called for an immediate halt to further demolitions and urged the state government to open transparent dialogue with affected communities and release a clear resettlement plan.
PeacePro warned that sustainable urban renewal requires inclusion and fairness, not forced displacement.
The Lagos State Government has yet to respond to the group’s call.
