By Abbas Nazil
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors across Nigeria to cease approving estate and infrastructure developments along federal roads without first liaising with the Surveyor General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Works.
The president made this declaration during the commissioning ceremony of the reconstructed 27-kilometre Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road, which links the port to major transport corridors through Epe to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He expressed serious concerns about the indiscriminate granting of building approvals by state governments, specifically referencing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.
Tinubu announced that the federal government will revoke all building approvals granted by the Lagos State Government along this coastal highway, stressing that such developments violate essential setbacks and hinder future infrastructure expansion.
“I have directed the Minister of Works to collaborate with the Surveyor General of the Federation and all the governors on these legacy project routes.
We must procure reasonable setbacks for future expansion and development,” Tinubu said.
He added that this approach is vital to enhancing Nigeria’s road architecture, protecting public infrastructure, and ensuring a strong return on investment.
The president made a passionate appeal to state governors, urging them to work in cooperation with federal agencies to prevent further encroachment on critical transport corridors. “Please, our dear governors, let’s work together.
Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the Surveyor General and the Ministry of Works,” he appealed.
President Tinubu emphasized that the newly commissioned Lekki Port Access Road is a strategic national investment built under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme.
Constructed as a reinforced concrete road, it is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s trade, agriculture, and regional connectivity by facilitating efficient cargo movement and improving overall logistics.
He also warned developers against continuing with unapproved constructions, particularly on illegally created islands and along the Lagos-Calabar highway.
According to him, the federal government has already disbursed N18 billion as compensation for the development of the coastal road, and any further unauthorized activity will be met with strict federal intervention.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting national infrastructure, Tinubu declared that the era of indiscriminate development and encroachment is over.
He called on all stakeholders to adhere strictly to development regulations for the sake of national interest.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who accompanied the president, praised Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to infrastructure, highlighting ongoing and completed road and bridge projects nationwide.
