Lagos Evictions Leave Families Floating

In Lagos, Nigeria, thousands of families have been forcibly evicted from their homes in the Makoko community, a historic waterfront settlement. Demolitions began in late December 2025 and have continued into January 2026, resulting in over 3,000 homes being destroyed and approximately 10,000 people displaced. Residents, like Victor Ahansu, who lived in homes on stilts, have lost everything and are now sheltering in canoes with their children.

The Lagos state government has defended the evictions, citing safety risks and the need to clear areas near critical infrastructure. However, residents allege they received little to no warning before bulldozers arrived. Advocacy groups highlight that these mass evictions, which have displaced hundreds of thousands since early 2023, often occur in areas eyed for development, despite a 2017 court ruling stating that mass eviction without resettlement violates fundamental rights.

Legal battles and protests have emerged in response to the ongoing displacement. Residents are seeking compensation and resettlement, as required by law, but face significant challenges due to Lagos's high cost of living and limited housing options. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between rapid urban development and the rights of low-income communities in Nigeria's megacity.