Yemi Obafemi
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has accused some local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of exploiting communities for financial gain.
The governor made the allegation while addressing journalists, insisting that the state government’s decision was driven solely by public safety concerns.
“We are aware that there are some local and international NGOs that want to profit from this. We are studying it, and we are going to show you evidence,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He alleged that the organisations had received substantial international funding and grants under false pretences, without delivering on their promises to affected communities.
“They’ve made so much money from international people and asked for so many grants and wealth into those places. It’s just to cover their own lies and the fact that they’ve not done what they said they were going to do,” the governor stated.
According to him, the NGOs were now “shouting and crying more than the bereaved” in a bid to deflect attention from their alleged failures.
The Lagos State Government had, in September 2025, announced plans to remove illegal structures erected under high-tension power lines in the Makoko area of Yaba, a move that sparked criticism from rights groups and activists.
Sanwo-Olu, however, defended the decision, stressing that it was taken in the interest of public safety.
“Of what interest will it be for the government to want to unduly demolish anybody’s property if it is not for the overall safety of the citizens?” he asked.
He explained that many residents had built shanties directly beneath high-tension cables, posing serious risks to lives and property.
“A lot of these people have built the shanties right under the high-tension wires. We cannot be a lawless state. Something has to give at some point because we cannot fold our arms and let calamity or disaster happen,” the governor added.
He maintained that the government would proceed with its plans while engaging stakeholders to prevent avoidable disasters in the state.
