The Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has raised alarm over the ongoing sand-filling of Makoko settlement, warning that the practice could result in catastrophic flooding across Lagos Mainland.
He attributed the increasing flood risks in the state to reckless land reclamation efforts that encroach on natural water bodies.
Speaking with The Guardian, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the development approach that prioritizes land reclamation over environmental sustainability. He argued that the Makoko sand-filling is part of a broader pattern of urban expansion that disregards the ecological role of wetlands and water bodies. “This could lead to massive flooding in the Lagos Mainland Local Council,” he warned.
Makoko, a historic waterfront community known for its stilt houses, has long been a subject of urban development pressure. Environmental experts have also voiced concerns, stating that wetlands serve as natural drainage systems, and their destruction disrupts water flow, increasing the likelihood of severe flooding. Scientists aligned with Rhodes-Vivour’s stance warned that Lagos risks worsening its flood crisis by tampering with these ecosystems.
Beyond environmental concerns, community leaders fear that the sand-filling could lead to the displacement of thousands of residents. Many argue that while land reclamation projects are often justified as modernization efforts, they frequently come at the expense of vulnerable populations and long-standing communities.
With Lagos already grappling with seasonal floods, critics are calling for a more sustainable urban planning approach.
