Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has accused some local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of exploiting the Makoko community for financial gain, insisting that their opposition to recent demolitions is driven by profit, not concern for residents.
The governor made the claim on Monday, 9 January 2026, during the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at Lagos House in Ikeja.
Addressing criticisms surrounding the ongoing demolition of structures in Makoko, Sanwo-Olu said the state government has no interest in destroying people’s homes without reason, stressing that the exercise is strictly about public safety and infrastructure protection.
“Of what interest will it be to the government to unduly demolish anybody’s house, if it’s not for the overall safety of the citizens we are talking about?” the governor asked.
He explained that many of the demolished structures were built directly under high-tension power lines and close to the Third Mainland Bridge, in violation of existing safety regulations.
Stooge,
How Dem wan take dey get funding? Abi you don’t know the amount of grants NGOs are getting every year with Makoko alone?