A joint taskforce of policemen, soldiers and officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), on Monday demolished dozens of shacks built on stilts in the Makoko/Iwaya Waterfront community of Lagos.
Thousands of residents living in the popular slum settlement built on the Lagos lagoon, were subsequently displaced, as the state government acted after a three-day quit notice, which lapsed on Sunday.
According to the notice dated July 12 and signed by Mr. Akin Tijani, Head of Operations, KAI on behalf of the Commissioner of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the government said the settlement was illegal and not in line with its megacity project.
“You have continued to occupy and develop shanties and unwholesome structures on the waterfront without authority thereby constituting environmental nuisance, security risks, impediments to economic and gainful utilisation of the waterfront such as navigation, entertainment, recreation etc”, it said.
“The state government is desirous of restoring the amenity and value of waterfront, protect lives and property, promote legitimate economic activities on the waterfront, restore security, improve water transportation and beautify the Lagos waterfront/coastline to underline the megacity status of Lagos State and has decided to clear all illegal and unauthorised development on its waterfront and water bodies.
“Therefore, notice is hereby given to you to vacate and remove all illegal developments along the Makoko/Iwaya Waterfront within 72 hours of receipt of this notice.” Makoko is one of Nigeria’s most popular slums and its shanties have over the years served as home to indigent emigrants from other parts of the country.
It was featured in the 2010 BBC film, Welcome to Lagos.
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