Summary

Lagos is transforming into a global economic hub, but this growth is fueled by the systematic, violent displacement of vulnerable waterfront communities. These mass evictions, often ignoring court orders, expose the extreme paradox of a city that values luxury infrastructure over the livelihoods of its most essential workers.

Key Topics

• Informal Settlements: These settlements, like Makoko, serve as the backbone for the city's essential labor force. Their erasure is viewed by the state as 'slum clearance' but functions as a violent land grab for wealthy real estate developers.
• State-Sanctioned Displacement: In Lagos, this is the primary mechanism for land acquisition. It relies on the government's legal status as the ultimate owner of all land, overriding the rights of individuals and long-term occupants.

Key Takeaways

• Monitor the work of the Justice Empowerment Initiative (JEI) for updates on Lagos land rights.