Nigeria: Thousands Displaced in Makoko “Floating Slum” Demolitions

Thousands of residents in the Makoko waterfront community were displaced this week after authorities carried out demolitions of makeshift homes in the densely populated “floating slum,” raising fresh alarm about housing rights and humanitarian needs in Africa’s largest city. Early-morning operations by Lagos State officials and security forces saw wooden shacks some built on stilts above the lagoon and others on marginal land cleared to make way for planned development projects, according to residents and local activists.

Makoko, often described as a “floating slum” because many homes sit on water supported by stilts and pontoons is home to a sprawling, tightly knit community of fisherfolk and low-income families who have lived there for decades. The demolitions have left families scrambling for shelter, food and clean water, with makeshift settlements reduced to splintered wood and debris.

Residents said officials gave little warning ahead of the demolitions, with many waking to find their houses dismantled and personal belongings lost. “We didn’t get notice,” said one displaced resident. “Where will we go? We have no money, no land, no work.” Activists reported that children and elderly residents were among those displaced, adding to urgent calls for aid and protection.

Civil society groups and human rights defenders criticised the operation as heavy-handed, saying it disregarded the community’s long-standing presence and vulnerability. They argued that Makoko residents were not properly consulted and that alternative housing solutions were not provided before or after the clearances. “This is a humanitarian crisis unfolding,” said a local campaigner.

Lagos State authorities defended the demolitions, saying they were part of broader plans to “revitalize” waterfront areas and improve infrastructure. A spokesperson said the government is committed to resettlement support for affected families, including temporary shelters and compensation a claim some residents dispute, saying offers have been inadequate or delayed.

The forcible removals occur amid broader tensions over urban land rights in Lagos, where booming population growth and real estate development often clash with informal settlements and vulnerable communities. Makoko’s residents have long grappled with insecure tenure and periodic threats of eviction, with previous clearance drives drawing protests and legal challenges.

International observers warn that without swift humanitarian support, displaced families face heightened risks of disease, food insecurity and exploitation. Aid agencies are urging the federal and state governments to prioritise safe, adequate housing and to involve community representatives in planning any development that affects residents’ livelihoods.

For now, thousands who once called Makoko home remain uncertain about their future as debris settles on the waterway and informal pathways where children had played just days earlier.