President Bola Tinubu has cautioned Lagos state and other sub-national governments against granting planning approvals for unauthorised islands and developments encroaching on designated road setbacks and maritime areas.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Lekki deep seaport access road on Thursday, Tinubu expressed pride in the project, which he initiated during his tenure as Lagos state governor.
The president lauded the access road as a legacy infrastructure that would enhance logistics efficiency, reduce costs for port users, and boost economic returns on investment.
Tinubu lamented what he called “illegal island creation” and unregulated land reclamation, noting that it undermines long-term infrastructure planning and national development objectives.
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“I have directed the minister of works, the surveyor-general of the federation, and all state governors—this legacy project must be protected,” Tinubu said.
“Let us procure a stable setback for future expansion and infrastructure building to enhance our road architecture.”
He cautioned that all planning approvals granted on existing setbacks without federal collaboration would be revoked, with special emphasis on the ongoing developments in Lagos.
“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and ministry of works,” Tinubu said.
“I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos state is here, taking note—we will revoke all those approvals already given on the setback.
“No more planning approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.”
The president stressed the need for coordinated infrastructure development that aligns with national priorities, warning that unsanctioned urban expansion would no longer be tolerated.
