What the NBA said — the core messages
Speaking through representatives and regional chapters, the NBA (and some NBA-affiliated groups) demanded that the Lagos State Government:
- Immediately halt any threats or actions to demolish homes in Makoko and other waterfront settlements pending full legal clarity and resettlement plans. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Withdraw criminal charges that have been filed against a group of residents arrested during enforcement operations, and allow for fair legal process rather than punitive tactics. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Respect recent court judgments that restrain unlawful demolitions and that have awarded damages to affected residents where the law has been breached. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Engage with residents, civil society and legal groups to agree humane, rights-respecting relocation or upgrading plans instead of summary evictions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Why the NBA intervened — legal and human-rights context
The NBA’s intervention came after a series of enforcement operations and threats of demolition in Makoko and nearby waterfront communities. Human-rights monitors and the UN’s human-rights office warned that continued demolitions risk breaching international standards, including the principle of non-refoulement of people to life-threatening conditions and the obligation to avoid forced evictions without adequate notice, consultation and compensation. The NBA framed its demand as both a rule-of-law and a human-rights response. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Recent court developments that shaped the NBA’s demand
A Federal High Court in Lagos recently issued an injunction restraining the Lagos State Government and some security agencies from further threats or unlawful demolitions in Makoko and adjoining waterfront settlements, and in a separate ruling awarded damages to affected residents for prior wrongful demolitions. Those judicial decisions are central to the NBA’s call for compliance and for withdrawal of enforcement actions that contradict court orders. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
What Lagos State government has said (and meetings with NBA)
Lagos State officials, including the Governor's office, have at times engaged with NBA leaders and other stakeholders. The Lagos State Government has said it is committed to urban renewal and waterfront development, but the NBA and civil-society groups insist such programmes must respect legal safeguards, include meaningful consultation and provide fair compensation or alternative housing where displacement is unavoidable. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
(Note: Lagos State statements emphasise development and regulation of waterfronts; the NBA’s position emphasises process, due notice, and rights-protecting measures.) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Reactions from residents and civil society
Makoko residents and local civil-society organisations have repeatedly rejected plans for demolition that they say would deprive them of livelihoods and housing without workable alternatives. Rights groups and international bodies have also called for an urgent halt to forced evictions until proper consultations and safeguards are in place. These concerns fuelled the NBA’s public stance urging the state to reconsider enforcement-first approaches. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
What the NBA asked Lagos to do next — practical steps
- Immediate withdrawal of any pending criminal charges against arrested residents where those charges arose from alleged unlawful or heavy-handed enforcement operations. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Full compliance with the Federal High Court injunctions and timely implementation of any court-ordered remedies, including payment of damages where awarded. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Open, documented consultations with community leaders, lawyers, human-rights groups and urban-planning experts to agree humane alternatives to demolition. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Where relocation is necessary, provision of secure, dignified alternative housing and livelihood support, and transparent compensation mechanisms. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Why this matters
Makoko and other waterfront settlements raise difficult policy questions about urban planning, environmental protection, zoning and public safety. However, the NBA and human-rights bodies stress that the pursuit of development cannot override constitutional protections and international human-rights commitments. The way Lagos handles Makoko may set precedent for how the state balances redevelopment goals with the legal and human-rights protections of vulnerable communities. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- SaharaReporters — report on the NBA group’s demand that Lagos withdraw charges and threats of mass protest. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- The National Press / court reporting — judgment halting demolitions and awarding N3.5bn in damages to residents over unlawful demolition (court order and damages). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- OHCHR (UN Human Rights Office) — call to halt demolitions of waterfront communities in Lagos and reminder of international obligations. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- The Guardian (Nigeria) — background on Makoko residents’ rejection of demolition plans and the community’s concerns. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Lagos State official communications / Governor’s office — engagements between state officials and NBA leadership. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Image source suggestions to embed (use editorial or licensed images with photographer credit):
- The Guardian (Nigeria) — Makoko community photos. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- National press agencies covering the court ruling and arrivals — (e.g., Reuters/AP/Local press archives). :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}