A humanitarian non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria, HipCity Innovation Centre, has called on Federal and State governments to put measures in place to end the widespread demolitions of houses in various parts of Abuja, Lagos, and another part of the country. The Centre further hinted that demolitions and evictions have rendered thousands of families homeless, worsening Nigeria’s housing deficit crisis.
Recent demolitions in various parts of Abuja and Lagos according to HipCity Innovation Centre have contributed to death and untold hardship to Nigerians. HipCity then wondered why government authorities are rendering thousands of citizens homeless in a country with a huge housing deficit, where there are no measures on site to mitigate the resultant crisis caused by the demolitions.
Speaking at a townhall meeting in Abuja, HipCity Innovation Centre’s Executive Director, Bassey Bassey, in his presentation said that recent notable demolitions include the significant Durumi Camp destruction in June 2023, and the ongoing demolitions in Daki Biyu, which have intensified the distress faced by local residents. And Nigeria Navy’s February 2024 eviction threat against the Iddo Sarkin community. He noted that these incidences further highlight the severity of the situation, underscoring the need for immediate intervention.
To track, report, and engage government on the issue, HipCity revealed that it has in collaboration with the Heinrich Boell Foundation, launched Nigeria’s first web-based eviction and demolition reporting platform.
The platform according to Bassey, aims to track and report evictions and demolitions nationwide, providing a critical channel for stakeholders to document, engage, and address the issues.
“The platform will also offer empirical data to evaluate the legality and motives behind such actions,” he added.
Bassey further said, “The impact of demolitions and evictions on affected communities is profound. Families are uprooted, children are deprived of education, and local economies are destabilised. The lack of proper notice and support during these evictions exacerbates the challenges faced by the urban poor, who are often least equipped to cope with sudden displacement. The social fabric of these communities is severely disrupted, leading to long-term negative effects on health, education, and overall well-being.”
The Centre went on to call for adoption of inclusive urban planning, strengthening legal protections against arbitrary evictions, enhancing social safety nets, and ensuring fair notice and compensation for affected residents.
The centre also advocates for a holistic approach to urban development that respects the rights of all citizens, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“As the housing crisis continues to unfold, this new platform represents a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in urban development practices. Stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, are urged to collaborate in addressing these critical issues to build a more inclusive and just society.” Bassey summated.
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