LAGOS, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to Lagos and other subnational governments, cautioning against the granting of planning approvals for unauthorised islands and developments that encroach on designated road setbacks and maritime zones.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Lekki Deep Seaport Access Road on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Tinubu said such developments threaten national infrastructure planning and would not be tolerated.
The president, who initiated the Lekki seaport project during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, expressed pride in its completion, describing the access road as a legacy infrastructure investment aimed at improving logistics efficiency and cutting costs for port users.
“This legacy project must be protected,” Tinubu declared.
“I have directed the minister of works, the surveyor-general of the federation, and all state governors—let us procure a stable setback for future expansion and infrastructure building to enhance our road architecture.”
The president condemned the proliferation of illegal island creation and unregulated land reclamation, describing them as threats to long-term national development objectives.
He emphasised that planning approvals for such developments granted without federal oversight would be revoked.
“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together,” Tinubu said.
“Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and ministry of works.”
Addressing Lagos specifically, the president noted the presence of Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat at the event and directed remarks toward him.
“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.”
