BREAKING: President Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Illegal Island Developments and Setback Encroachments

In a decisive move to enforce urban planning regulations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized creation of islands and developments encroaching on designated setback zones across Nigeria.

This directive was delivered during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road, a project initiated during his tenure as Lagos State governor .

Presidential Directive

President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for coordinated infrastructure development, stating that all planning approvals granted on existing setbacks without federal collaboration will be revoked.

He specifically addressed ongoing developments in Lagos, urging state governors to collaborate with the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Works before granting planning approvals. "No more planning approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally," he asserted .

Implications for Developers

The President's directive has significant implications for property developers and landowners.

Unauthorized constructions on federal infrastructure corridors, including roads and maritime areas, will face revocation of approvals and potential demolition.

President Tinubu made it clear that the era of indiscriminate development and encroachment on public infrastructure is over, stating, "If you build illegally, you bear the consequences" .

President Tinubu called on state governors and local authorities to work collaboratively with federal agencies to ensure that urban development aligns with national infrastructure plans.

He highlighted the importance of preserving setback zones for future expansion and infrastructure building to enhance the country's road architecture .

Urban planning experts have raised concerns about the environmental and safety risks associated with illegal constructions.

Violations of city masterplans, such as building on floodplains or blocking natural drainage channels, increase the vulnerability of structures to flooding and erosion.

These illegal developments also disrupt emergency access and basic infrastructure systems, posing threats to lives and property .

President Tinubu's directive marks a significant step towards enforcing urban planning regulations and safeguarding Nigeria's infrastructure.

The administration's commitment to revoking unauthorized approvals and preventing illegal developments underscores the importance of coordinated governance and adherence to planning laws.

As the nation continues to pursue ambitious infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, maintaining the integrity of designated setback zones will be crucial for sustainable development.

For more updates on this developing story and other national news, stay tuned to Busterblog.com.