The Lagos State Government has commenced the second phase of the enumeration exercise for residents affected by the Oworonshoki Regeneration Project, marking another step in its effort to compensate property owners whose buildings were demolished during the urban renewal initiative.
The latest round of documentation began on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Oloworo Palace in Oworonshoki, under Kosofe Local Government Area. The Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) is coordinating the exercise, which is supervised by the agency’s General Manager, Town Planner Oladimeji Animashaun.
Present at the venue were traditional rulers, community leaders, members of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Committees (CDCs), civil society representatives, journalists, and a large number of residents eager to be included in the compensation process.
According to TPL Animashaun, the second phase was introduced to ensure that all affected residents are properly captured, especially those who missed the initial round.
“Just last week, we distributed compensation to residents whose buildings were affected by the Oworonshoki Urban Regeneration Project. However, many who missed the first enumeration appealed for another opportunity to be documented,” he said.
“Today’s exercise is to make sure no one is left out. The large turnout shows that more people now have confidence in the government’s sincerity and fairness,” he added.
Animashaun explained that the renewed enthusiasm was due to the successful payment of the first batch of compensation, which helped to rebuild trust between the government and the community.
He revealed that some residents were initially doubtful about the government’s commitment to paying compensation, with some even considering protests.
“But after seeing their neighbours receive payments, they realised it was genuine. That changed everything. Now, more property owners are coming forward to be verified,” he said.
The LASURA boss assured residents that the government was determined to handle the process quickly and transparently.
“Once this enumeration phase is concluded, payments will follow promptly—within a few days or at most a week—just as we did with the first batch,” he stated.
He urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate fully with officials conducting the exercise.
The Oworonshoki Regeneration Project is one of the Lagos State Government’s key urban renewal initiatives aimed at transforming the waterfront community into a modern residential and recreational hub.
Under the project, several old and dilapidated structures have been cleared to make way for new housing developments, road networks, green spaces, and public facilities. However, the demolitions displaced some residents and property owners, prompting the government to roll out a structured compensation plan.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier directed LASURA to ensure that all legitimate claimants were duly compensated. The governor also assured that no resident would be unfairly treated in the process, emphasizing that urban development must go hand-in-hand with social justice.
Many residents at the enumeration venue expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as fair and well-organised. They commended the government for returning to address those who missed the earlier exercise.
Mrs. Mariam Lawal, a property owner whose building was demolished, said she was initially skeptical about the government’s promise of compensation.
“When they first started demolishing, I thought that was the end. But when I saw people getting paid, I was surprised. Now I have come to register so that I can also benefit,” she said.
Another resident, Mr. Ganiyu Adebayo, said the second phase shows that the government is listening to the people. “They could have ignored us, but they came back. That means they care,” he said.
LASURA’s General Manager reiterated that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to fairness, transparency, and the welfare of all Lagosians affected by government projects.
“We are not just transforming Oworonshoki physically; we are also rebuilding trust between the government and the people. This is how development should work—no one should be left behind,” Animashaun said.
With the success of the first phase and the strong turnout in the second, the Oworonshoki regeneration effort appears to be gaining new momentum. For many residents, it represents not just compensation for lost property, but also renewed confidence in the state’s promise to make Lagos a more inclusive and livable city.
