The Lagos State Government has announced a $2 million financial commitment to the Water Cities Project, describing it as the central framework for the regeneration and long-term renewal of the Makoko waterfront settlement.
The disclosure was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Babatunde Olajide. The announcement was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to the state government, the Water Cities Project is designed to serve as a sustainable and inclusive response to the unique challenges of Makoko, a densely populated waterfront community that has long drawn local and international attention for its distinctive living conditions.
The announcement comes amid public debate following the recent demolition of sections of the Makoko settlement and similar actions in other parts of Lagos. State authorities have maintained that these measures are part of a wider urban renewal strategy driven by safety concerns, environmental risks, and the need to modernise vulnerable communities.
Speaking on the government’s position, Olajide said Makoko occupies a delicate place in Lagos’ urban landscape. He described the community as both land-based and water-based, adding that its global recognition influenced the state’s decision to pursue a regeneration model that balances development, environmental sustainability, and social sensitivity.
He explained that the Water Cities Project represents what the government considers the most environmentally responsible option for redeveloping the waterfront, while addressing issues such as flooding, structural safety, and long-term habitability.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that its approach to Makoko is not limited to demolition, but is aimed at structured renewal that aligns with broader urban planning goals. Officials insist that the project is intended to reposition the area as a safer and more resilient waterfront community within the evolving Lagos megacity framework.
