Popular Nigerian cyclist, Ed Wonder, has dismissed claims that government has totally demolished Makoko, a floating slum in Lagos State.

In a statement on Monday, Ed Wonder said that although demolition was ongoing in the community, mostly occupied by fishermen, it was only the section directly under high-tension power lines.

He recalled how he complained about the section during a visit to the slum.

He said, "About a year ago, I raised concerns about the rapid encroachment of some parts of Makoko toward the Third Mainland Bridge, especially the structures built directly beneath high-tension power lines. My concern then, and now, has always been rooted in safety, public health, and environmental responsibility.

"Communities like Makoko already live with many vulnerabilities, and building under high-tension cables exposes residents to serious and avoidable risks. Speaking up was about highlighting those dangers early, so that lives are protected before tragedy strikes.

"This year, the Lagos State Government has taken a preventive step by clearing structures within the high-tension corridor. While difficult, this action is aimed at reducing real and immediate danger. Prevention, in cases like this, is always better than cure.

"It is also important to be accurate and fair in this conversation. Makoko has not been wiped out, as some reports suggest. Only the structures directly under the high-tension power lines were removed. Clear information matters, especially when discussing communities and livelihoods.

"Meanwhile, I still want to know the purpose of the sand filling going on there. Who knows?"

Why we are demolishing Makoko - Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said the demolition exercise going on in Makoko area of the state is for safety purpose.

According to him, some of the properties being demolished are situated under high tension electrical cables, posing danger to occupants.

Sanwo-Olu made this known while signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Lagos House in Ikeja.

He said: “People need to understand that it is a big city we are dealing with, and the emergency and safety of lives and properties are paramount that we need to prioritise.

"Of what interest would it be for the government to want to unduly demolish anybody’s property?

“What interest if it is not for the overall safety of the citizens we are talking about?

“A lot of the people have built shanties under the high tension wire, and the regulation is that you need to clear between 150 and 250 metres away from the high tension wire.

“We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko.

“We are clearing the shanties so they do not get to the Third Mainland Bridge and stay behind the high tension.

“We are aware that there are some local and international NGOs that want to profit from this.

“We are studying things, and we are going to show evidence.

“They have made so much money from international organisations and asked for so many grants and resources to go into those places.

“It is just for them to cover their own lies because they have not done what they said they were going to be doing.

“That is why they are all shouting and crying more than the bereaved.

“We have been on this for so many years, and we have evidence.

“The exercise was meant to be done in December 2024.

“We extended it all throughout 2025.

“So, we cannot be a lawless set of people.

“We cannot fold our arms and let calamity or disaster happen.”

ASA