Makoko

Makoko, often called the 'Venice of Nigeria,' is a large informal settlement located on the Lagos Lagoon. Founded in the 19th century, it's primarily inhabited by fishing communities and is characterized by its stilt houses and floating structures. Makoko is currently newsworthy due to recent demolitions carried out by Lagos State authorities between December and February. These actions have resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents, leaving many homeless. The government claims the demolitions are necessary for development and to remove illegal structures, while critics argue it's a land grab aimed at gentrifying the prime waterfront location. Community leaders and residents decry the evictions as unjust and driven by colonial-era classism, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalized communities in the face of urban development projects.