Africa's Venice: Homes Demolished in Floating Slum

Makoko, a vast floating settlement on Lagos Lagoon, is facing extensive home demolitions by the Nigerian government. This community, often called 'Africa's Venice,' is home to tens of thousands living in wooden shacks built on stilts over polluted water. Founded in the late 19th century by the Egun people as a fishing village, Makoko grew as it absorbed migrants priced out of formal housing in the expanding megacity of Lagos.

Life in Makoko is heavily dependent on the lagoon, which sustains the community through fishing, timber, and labor for Lagos. However, conditions are dire due to a lack of urban planning, resulting in no sewage systems, inadequate waste collection, limited clean water, and no electricity. These factors contribute to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases and rapid fire spread.

Recent demolitions, which began in late December and were ongoing in late January 2026, have reportedly displaced at least 10,000 people. Community leaders and humanitarian groups claim four deaths, including two infants and a 70-year-old woman, occurred during these actions. Despite pledges to pause demolitions after resident protests, the destruction has continued. This marks a recurring conflict, with similar demolitions occurring in 2005 and 2012.