THE Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday accused certain local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of attempting to profit from the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko.
Speaking with reporters, the governor said his administration is closely monitoring the activities of these organisations, claiming some have received substantial funds from international donors under misleading pretenses.
“We are aware that there are NGOs—both local and international—looking to exploit this situation for personal gain. We are reviewing the evidence and will present our findings,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He further alleged that the NGOs were exaggerating the impact of the demolition to cover up shortcomings in their operations.
“They have collected large sums from international sources, mainly to mask their own failures. That is why they are louder in their complaints than even the affected residents,” he added.
The governor explained that the demolition was necessary to safeguard lives, noting that many structures had been built directly beneath high-tension power lines.
“What interest would the government have in unnecessarily demolishing people’s property if not for the safety of citizens? Numerous homes were erected right under high-tension cables,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu warned that Lagos cannot ignore the potential hazards.
“We cannot operate as a lawless state. Action had to be taken to prevent calamity or disaster,” he emphasized.
The demolitions follow a September 2025 announcement by the state government to remove illegal structures built under high-tension cables in Makoko, a densely populated community split between land and waterfront settlements along the Lagos Lagoon.