Tear gas breaks up Makoko protest in Lagos

Police fired tear gas to disperse residents of Makoko who marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to protest demolitions that have displaced thousands. More than 1,000 demonstrators—many living in wooden stilt houses above the lagoon and relying on fishing and informal trade—refused orders to disperse and demanded to be addressed by the state governor. Officers deployed tear gas; one protester suffered a leg injury and was taken to hospital, while witnesses reported panic and respiratory irritation among those present.

Lagos state officials, backed by armed police and excavators, have been tearing down structures in parts of Makoko they say are illegally built near high-voltage power lines and pose safety risks. Authorities frame the actions as necessary for redevelopment, modernization and public safety. Residents and rights groups counter that evictions were carried out without adequate notice, consultation, compensation or realistic resettlement plans, describing the demolitions as forced evictions that strip people of homes and livelihoods and push vulnerable families deeper into poverty. Nonprofit estimates place Makoko’s population roughly between 80,000 and 200,000, though no official figures exist.

Human rights organizations condemned the use of tear gas against people protesting the loss of their homes and called on authorities to suspend demolitions and engage in meaningful dialogue with community leaders. Activists urged compliance with court rulings and international standards that require due process, adequate notice and resettlement before evictions. Government representatives defended police action as necessary to maintain order and protect property, saying officers had warned demonstrators against blocking roads or disrupting activities. Lagos officials have previously asserted that redevelopment plans are lawful and serve the public interest.

The confrontation has intensified debate over urban redevelopment in Lagos, where rapid population growth and soaring land values place intense pressure on informal settlements that house much of the city’s workforce. Critics argue that development policies frequently marginalize the poor and prioritize commercial interests and upscale projects. Residents say they do not oppose upgrades but demand inclusion in planning and safeguards for their livelihoods.