By Kingsley Adegboye

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has strongly condemned the ongoing demolition exercise in Maroko, Lagos, which has once again left vulnerable residents displaced, distressed, and uncertain about their future.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of HDAN, Mr Festus Adebayo, described the demolition as “a painful reminder of Nigeria’s recurring failure to place human dignity at the centre of urban development.
According to Adebayo, “Urban renewal must not translate into human suffering. Development that destroys homes without adequate consultation, compensation, or resettlement plans is not development—it is displacement.”
HDAN noted with deep concern that affected residents include low-income earners, traders, artisans, women, children, and the elderly—many of whom have lived in the community for decades and have built their livelihoods there.
The body added that absence of transparent engagement, clear notices, and realistic resettlement options contradicts global best practices and Nigeria’s own housing and urban development commitments.
Key Concerns Raised by HDAN
According HDAN, lack of meaningful stakeholder engagement prior to demolition,
absence of clear, humane resettlement and compensation frameworks, risks of increasing
homelessness and urban poverty,
psychological and economic trauma inflicted on affected families, have been major concerns of the body.
Adebayo emphasised that Lagos State, as Africa’s largest megacity, must adopt inclusive urban development models that balance infrastructure growth with social justice.
“We are not against development. We are against development that excludes the people it claims to serve,” he added.
HDAN calls to action
Calling for action, HDAN said Lagos
State government should immediately halt further demolition in Maroko pending transparent dialogue with affected residents.
It added that relevant housing and urban planning authorities should publish clear resettlement, compensation, and rehabilitation plans.
It further noted that civil society organizations, professional bodies, and the media should lend their voices in defense of housing rights.
Policy makers to institutionalize people-centered urban renewal frameworks that prevent forced evictions.
“Housing is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right. Sustainable cities cannot be built on the ruins of broken homes and shattered lives,” HDAN said in a statement.
According to Adebayo, HDAN remains committed to advocating for fair, inclusive, and humane housing policies across Nigeria and stands in solidarity with the people of Maroko during this difficult time.