The Lagos State government and investors have begun sand filling and land reclamation activities, which are expected to transform the Makoko waterfront into a mixed-use development scheme.
The development known as FBT Coral Estate, owned by FBT Coral Estate Limited, is 54.58 hectares of land, close to the University of Lagos waterfront and facing the Third Mainland Bridge.
An agreement was executed between FBT Coral Estate Limited and the state government in 2021 for the reclamation and development of the waterfront in the Mainland local council, with a sharing ratio of 75 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.
The estate on completion is expected to have a sports centre, multi-level car parking, business hotel and Yacht club, convention centre and banquet hall, skills development centre and gallery, civic centre (indoor sports and recreational club), mall, offices, schools and hospital.
Meanwhile, the Makoko community has already an injunction restraining the state government, and developers from demolishing their houses, and forcefully evicting them from their land, community, habitat and settlement in Makoko, Okoagbon, Sogunro and Iwaya in the Yaba council area, pending the hearing and determination of the suit.
An advocate for sustainable environments and inclusive cities – Rethinking Cities has raised concerns about the sustainability, inclusivity, and equity of urban development in the city.
The group urged the state government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise transparency, environmental justice, and the protection of vulnerable communities, particularly the Makoko settlement, which stands at the forefront of this crisis.
The Executive Director of Rethinking Cities, Deji Akinpelu, said: “The lack of transparency surrounding the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the sand filling project is deeply troubling. The ESIA is a critical tool for evaluating the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of large-scale development projects.
“By withholding this information, the government denies the public, especially affected communities, the opportunity to understand the implications of the project and to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.
The group demands that the government makes the ESIA publicly available and ensure that it is conducted in accordance with international best practices. This includes engaging with local communities, particularly Makoko residents, to incorporate their knowledge, concerns, and aspirations into the assessment.
Makoko, one of Lagos’s most iconic informal settlements, is home to thousands of people who rely on the waterfront for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and food security in the city of Lagos.
Akinpelu explained that the sand-filling project threatens to displace residents, destroy ecosystems, and erase a unique cultural heritage that has thrived for generations. “The potential loss of Makoko is not just a loss for its residents but for the entire city, as residents as far as Akoka also feel threatened by the likely environmental impact.”
He called on the government to halt all activities that could lead to the displacement of Makoko, Oko Agbon, Sogunro and Iwaya residents until a comprehensive and inclusive resettlement plan is developed, adding, “This plan must prioritise the rights, dignity, and well-being of affected communities, ensuring access to adequate housing, livelihoods, and social services.”
According to him, the sand-filling project also raises broader concerns about the long-term sustainability of Lagos’s coastline and waterfront areas. “Land reclamation projects often exacerbate flooding, erosion, and other climate-related risks, particularly in a city as vulnerable to sea-level rise as Lagos.”
The group urged the government to adopt a holistic approach to coastal management that prioritizes nature-based solutions, such as wetland conservation, over large-scale land reclamation.
“These solutions not only protect the environment but also enhance the resilience of coastal communities,” he said.
Akinpelu noted that the ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for inclusive urban development practices that prioritise the needs of all residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
“Lagos has the opportunity to set a precedent for sustainable and equitable urban development in Africa by adopting policies and practices that engage communities in decision-making processes from the outset, protect and preserve informal settlements as integral parts of the urban fabric, invest in sustainable infrastructure that enhances resilience and reduces environmental risks, as well as promote transparency and accountability in all development projects,” he added.