Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has condemned recent demolitions of waterfront settlements in Lagos, describing the operations as unlawful and urging authorities to provide redress for displaced residents. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the actions breached constitutional protections and due process requirements, and called on the Lagos State Government to halt further evictions pending proper legal and resettlement arrangements.
The demolitions, carried out in densely populated coastal communities, have intensified debate over urban renewal in Lagos and other Southern Nigerian cities. Authorities have previously justified clearance exercises on safety, environmental and security grounds. Rights advocates argue that mass evictions without court orders, adequate notice, compensation or alternative housing contravene Nigerian law and international human rights obligations.
Falana is pressing for immediate relief measures, including compensation, temporary shelter and access to essential services for affected households. He is also pushing for compliance with court rulings and for transparent, community-inclusive planning before any future clearance. Legal steps to challenge the demolitions are being considered.
The development adds to nationwide scrutiny of forced evictions and land-use enforcement, as economic pressures and infrastructure projects drive rapid changes in urban communities. Stakeholders are watching how Lagos responds, with implications for redevelopment practices across Southern Nigeria and the country at large.
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