By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State House of Assembly and representatives of Makoko, Sogunro and Oko Agbon waterfront communities have endorsed the state government’s proposed Water City project following recent demolitions in the affected areas.
The resolution was part of a five-point agreement reached on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja.
The meeting brought together lawmakers, government officials and community leaders to address concerns arising from the demolition exercise.
Chairman of the Adhoc Committee on Rules and Business and House Majority Leader, Mr. Noheem Adams, said the project was designed to improve living conditions and directly benefit residents of the impacted communities.
He disclosed that the state government would set up a 10-member committee to carry out a self-enumeration of affected buildings.
According to Adams, the committee is expected to complete its assignment within two weeks and submit its report to the Adhoc Committee.
He emphasized that the enumeration process must be transparent, noting that data submitted by community representatives would be verified with existing government records.
He also directed Makoko stakeholders to forward the list of nominees for the committee once constituted.
Community leaders welcomed the Assembly’s intervention.
The Baale of Sogunro Community, Chief Abraham Mesu, described the Water City initiative as a landmark project capable of raising living standards while ensuring that residents remain key beneficiaries.
Although he expressed concern over the demolitions, he affirmed the community’s readiness to cooperate with the government.
Similarly, the Baale of Makoko Waterfront, Chief Emmanuel Shemade, said community leaders had agreed not to rebuild any demolished structures until further notice.
He expressed satisfaction with the agreement aimed at regenerating the communities without displacing residents and praised the government’s commitment to provide an aerial map showing the exact demolition boundaries within one month.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Geographic Information Service (GIS), Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said plans for the Water City project had been finalized as part of broader urban regeneration efforts.
He stated that the governor was concerned about overcrowding and substandard living conditions in the area and assured that affected residents would receive adequate compensation.
