NHRC Slams Lagos Demolitions, Raises Alarm Over Anambra Market Closure and Human Rights Violations

Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned ongoing house demolitions and forced evictions in Lagos State, while also voicing deep concern over the closure of Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, warning that both actions carry serious human rights implications.

The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said the developments risk undermining constitutional protections and international human rights standards Nigeria has committed to uphold.

Makoko demolitions spark outrage

At the centre of the NHRC’s concern are the continued demolitions of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which have displaced thousands of residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Dr Ojukwu described the demolitions as troubling, particularly because they were allegedly carried out without adequate notice, compensation or resettlement plans.

According to him, families have been rendered homeless and livelihoods destroyed, in actions that violate constitutional guarantees of human dignity, housing and family life.

“The courts have issued pronouncements prohibiting forced evictions, yet these rulings are disregarded. This undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in governance,” Ojukwu said.

He stressed that urban development must not come at the expense of fundamental human rights, calling for an immediate suspension of demolitions to allow for meaningful engagement with affected communities and the provision of proper resettlement and compensation.

Anambra market closure under scrutiny

The Commission also turned its attention to Anambra State, where it expressed unease over the closure of Onitsha Main Market following traders’ compliance with the outlawed sit-at-home directive.

While acknowledging the state government’s efforts to curb the sit-at-home practice, which authorities consider illegal and economically damaging, the NHRC warned that shutting markets as a punitive measure raises serious questions about the right to livelihood, freedom of movement and due process.

Dr Ojukwu noted that the economic toll of the sit-at-home crisis is already severe, with the Anambra State Government estimating losses of about ₦8 billion every Monday. He added that many traders comply out of fear of violence, highlighting the urgent need for stronger security and confidence-building measures.

Call for dialogue and rights-based governance

The human rights chief urged the Anambra State Government to prioritise dialogue with traders, guarantee adequate security and adopt solutions that protect both economic activity and citizens’ rights.

He warned that forced evictions and collective sanctions risk deepening social vulnerability and fuelling instability.

“Nigeria’s development, law enforcement and economic governance must be pursued in ways that respect fundamental rights,” Ojukwu said, adding that the Commission would continue to monitor the situations closely and engage authorities to ensure governance remains anchored in justice, fairness and respect for human dignity.