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Nigeria's Lagos Sees Growing Tensions Over Makoko Demolitions

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to invest about $10 million in regenerating Makoko, the sprawling waterfront community. This is even as residents and civil society groups protest the recent demolitions, which have left families homeless and sparked protests demanding accountability from the police and government.

The state said that it will contribute $2 million, with the United Nations expected to provide up to $8 million for a "water city" project aimed at modernising the fishing community. The project, however, has not yet commenced. Residents are demanding compensation for properties destroyed during the government's clearance exercises.

The Lagos State Government defends the demolitions as necessary for public safety, infrastructure protection, and enforcement of urban planning standards. However, civil society groups claim the demolitions are anti-poor and were carried out without consultation, compensation, or resettlement. 

InFocus

Omoeko Media/Wikimedia

A stick house in Makoko, Lagos.

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