FG, Lagos approved Makoko waterfront reclamation — Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development confirmed that the Makoko waterfront reclamation project has received full approval from both the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government. The project aims to reclaim land in the Makoko area, a large informal settlement on Lagos Lagoon. The announcement addresses public concerns about the legality and environmental impact of the reclamation. Makoko is one of Africa's largest floating slums, home to an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 people. The project is expected to involve dredging and land filling, potentially displacing residents and altering the local ecosystem. No specific timeline or budget has been disclosed.

Global Impact

The Makoko reclamation is a significant urban development project in one of the world's most densely populated informal settlements. Economically, it could unlock prime waterfront real estate in Lagos, attracting investment and raising property values, but at the cost of displacing thousands of low-income residents.