Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to public safety, defending the Makoko demolition exercise as a necessary step to prevent disaster while promising palliatives and relocation support for affected residents
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday assured Lagos residents that his administration would spare no effort in protecting lives and property across the state, warning against acts of indiscipline that could lead to avoidable disasters.
The governor spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, where he expressed concern over an incident earlier in the day in which some residents reportedly scooped fuel from a tanker at the Apapa Bridge. He described the act as a “suicide mission” and commended Lagos State first responders and the police for swiftly cordoning off the area to prevent a possible catastrophe.
Sanwo-Olu also cautioned residents against environmental violations, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians, noting that stiffer penalties would be enforced in 2026. He said the state government would strengthen the capacity of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and private sector participants by increasing their fleet of compactor trucks and improving operational equipment.
“We will ensure that LAWMA not only apprehends offenders but also charges them appropriately for environmental violations,” the governor said.
Addressing the recent demolition exercise in Makoko, Sanwo-Olu maintained that the action was taken in the collective interest of public safety. He explained that evacuation notices had been issued more than two years ago to residents living within 150 to 250 metres of high-tension power lines, in line with safety regulations.
According to him, the exercise was not aimed at demolishing the entire Makoko community but at removing shanties built dangerously close to high-tension wires and critical infrastructure, including the Third Mainland Bridge.
“We cannot be a lawless people or fold our arms and wait for calamity to happen,” the governor said, adding that the operation had been postponed from December 2024 and extended throughout 2025 to allow affected residents time to relocate.
Sanwo-Olu further alleged that some local and international non-governmental organisations were exploiting the situation for financial gain, promising to present evidence of grants and funds allegedly misused under the guise of intervention in the area.
Despite the enforcement action, the governor stressed that his administration remained compassionate. He disclosed that local governments and relevant ministries had been directed to provide palliatives and relocation stipends to affected residents.
“This is to show that even when people have done wrong, the government can still be compassionate, all in the interest of ensuring a safe and secure Lagos for everyone,” he said.
The governor reiterated that public safety would continue to guide government decisions as Lagos grapples with rapid urban growth and infrastructure pressure.