In December, the Lagos state government ordered the destruction of a significant portion of the Makoko slum, a historic fishing community built on stilts along a lagoon. The authorities justified this decision by citing safety concerns, particularly the need to move homes away from high-voltage power lines. Despite the government's announcement of a recent urban development agreement with some of Makoko's leaders, the residents who have lost their homes remain skeptical about the actual benefits of these proposed projects.

Families in Makoko have deep roots in the area, with many having lived there for generations. Some residents have connections to nearby Badagry or the neighboring country of Benin. Among them is Marcel Adigban, who, along with his partner, was among those displaced from the slum. The prolonged history of their families in the community—some of whom have lived there for over a hundred years—only amplifies the trauma of their sudden eviction, leaving them to navigate an uncertain future in a new and unfamiliar environment.

As the displaced residents grapple with their loss, their trust in government initiatives has diminished. While the announcement of future development may seem promising from a distance, the reality for those who have been uprooted is fraught with uncertainty and despair. Many are left wondering if their voices and needs will be considered as plans for rebuilding Makoko unfold, raising critical questions about the rights of marginalized communities in urban development agendas.