Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, says that any attempt by government authorities to demolish or evict residents from waterfront communities is unlawful under Nigerian law.
Falana made the assertion on Sunday while answering questions during an interview on Arise Television, where he addressed recent demolitions and protests linked to waterfront settlements.
He argued that residents are constitutionally entitled to housing and dignity, stressing that governments must consult affected communities and make alternative housing arrangements before any demolition exercise.
Drawing from decades of legal involvement, Falana said, “Incidentally, I’ve been involved in the demolition of houses in Lagos for the past 35 years.”
He cited a Supreme court judgment delivered two years ago, noting that state governments lack jurisdiction over inland waterways, and concluded, “so, going to any waterfront to demolish or displaced people is completely illegal.”
The human right lawyer emphasised that his position does not oppose development, but questioned the methods adopted by the Lagos state government in enforcing demolitions.
Falan said “This is the problem. Now we are not opposed to development. What we are seeing is that the Lagos state government, and by the way, section 17 of the Commission provides that all actions of the government shall be humane.”
“So you can’t go to a community in the dead of the night, tear gas them, wake them up and confuse them.
“And when they are running out helter skelter, you begin to demolish their properties. It’s not part of our law.
“Secondly, our people are entitled to right to dignity. Our people are entitled to right to house.
“If the government wants to demolish, no problem, but you must discuss and place them in some other places.”
