The human cost of building the Dubai of Africa
In Lagos, Nigeria, government-led demolitions are displacing long-standing communities to make way for luxury real estate developments, often described as part of a vision to create a 'Dubai of Africa'. Residents of areas like Makoko, a floating slum built on stilts over a lagoon, have lost homes despite legal efforts to stop the evictions. The push for urban modernization has sparked resistance from affected communities who face forced displacement without adequate compensation or relocation.
- ▪Authorities have demolished hundreds of wooden shacks in Makoko, Africa's largest floating slum, calling them illegal structures.
- ▪The demolitions are part of a campaign to reclaim waterfront land in Lagos for high-end real estate projects.
- ▪Residents have obtained court injunctions against the evictions, but bulldozers have continued to operate regardless.
- ▪Families in Lagos have lived on the disputed land for generations, yet face displacement without proper relocation plans.
- ▪NPR's Emmanuel Akinwotu reported from Lagos, documenting the human impact of rapid urban development in the city.
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Deep Dive Up First from NPR Deep Dive Up First from NPR LISTEN & FOLLOW NPR App Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music RSS link The human cost of building the Dubai of Africa May 17, 20263:00 AM ET The human cost of building the Dubai of Africa Listen · 29:18 29:18 Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5821608/nx-s1-mx-5821608-1" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Residents look on during demolition of houses in Makoko, a floating slum in Lagos, on January 9, 2026. Authorities have demolished hundreds of wooden shacks in Makoko, Africa's largest and most iconic floating slum, which is built on stilts above the lagoon in the heart of Lagos.
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