Thrivescape champions inclusive urban development for Nigerian cities

Thrivescape has expressed deep concern over the ongoing demolitions in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, which have displaced numerous families and raised questions about the integrity of urban governance and human rights protection.

According to the Team Lead, Thrivescape Initiative, Aniramu Tosin, while the state government maintains that the exercise targets illegal structures, Thrivescape believes the pattern of enforcement undermines the fundamental objectives of urban planning, which are to create sustainable, safe and inclusive communities.

The demolition of residential buildings, some carried out under the cover of night, not only violates the rights of citizens to safety and dignity but also exposes systemic weaknesses in how government institutions implement development control.

Urban planning should be a framework for protecting lives and improving living conditions, not a tool that leaves vulnerable communities without shelter.

Excessive use of force in executing demolition exercises constitutes an abuse of human rights.

Thrivescape notes with concern that approving building plans or regularisation applications for government-acquired land during the amnesty period sends the wrong signal and perpetuates administrative inconsistencies.

The process of regularisation should never compromise the sanctity of public land ownership or be used to legitimise encroachment after acquisition.

Instead, the state should take proactive steps to properly demarcate and secure government-acquired lands and to implement measures that prevent illegal occupation.

To promote transparency, Thrivescape urges the Lagos State Government to make land information and development control data freely accessible to the public.

Citizens should be able to verify land ownership, acquisition status and permissible use online at no cost. This will enhance public awareness and reduce disputes arising from misinformation and fraudulent land sales.

Thrivescape further calls for a human-centred approach to urban renewal that prioritises dialogue, legal compliance and community welfare.

Where redevelopment is inevitable, the process must include clear communication, adequate notice, fair compensation and sustainable resettlement plans.

Thrivescape reaffirms its commitment to promoting rights-based urban governance that balances growth with social justice.

True progress must be measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by how well the process respects and uplifts the lives of citizens.