The Federal Government has sounded a stern warning to developers encroaching on the Lagos shoreline.
Developers have been given one month to regularize their projects or face the possibility of demolition.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, issued the ultimatum during an inspection of the Lagos Lagoon Estates and shoreline.
The statement, published on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s official website, made it clear that the government is serious about enforcing compliance.
“The Federal Government has given a one-month ultimatum to developers on the shoreline in Lagos to come up for regularization or risk revocation and demolition,” the statement emphasized.
Accompanied by ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Minister conducted a boat tour of the Lagos Lagoon Shoreline.
What he found was troubling.
Unauthorized sand-filling, illegal constructions, and developments without federal titles or documentation were rampant.
“These irregular activities are a threat to the environment and the law,” the Minister remarked during the inspection.
He reminded developers that shoreline properties fall under federal jurisdiction, governed by the Land (Title Vesting) Act of 1975.
This Act empowers the Federal Government to issue and administer titles along shorelines, while the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority oversees dredging permits.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government is tasked with regulating physical development in these areas.
The Minister stressed the importance of collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State Governments to ensure orderly and sustainable development.
“Together, we will restore order and enforce compliance with existing laws to safeguard our environment and citizens,” he stated firmly.
The ultimatum follows increased concerns about the chaotic and unauthorized use of shoreline properties.
In some cases, developers have disregarded regulations, leading to environmental degradation and disputes over land ownership.
The Federal Government is determined to bring clarity and order to the system.
To achieve this, the government has partnered with the World Bank on a groundbreaking land registration initiative.
The program aims to register all land titles in Nigeria within five years.
This move could unlock over $300 billion in “dead capital” tied up in untitled land parcels, transforming Nigeria’s land administration system.
Currently, over 90% of Nigeria’s land remains untitled, making it difficult for owners to prove ownership or use their land as collateral for investments.
The government’s goal is to increase formal land transactions to 50% within the next decade.
“This is a game-changer for land ownership in Nigeria,” the Minister said.
Part of the initiative involves the establishment of a National Land Digital System (NLDS).
The NLDS will enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and attract more investors by making land transactions easier and more secure.
The government is also working closely with state governments to document and title land across the country.
This collaboration ensures that local authorities, landowners, and communities are fully involved in the process.
“This partnership is critical to fostering sustainable land use and driving economic growth,” the Minister explained.
In Lagos, where shoreline properties are highly coveted, these reforms are particularly urgent.
The state’s booming population and rapid urbanization have made land a contentious issue.
Environmentalists have also raised concerns about the impact of illegal shoreline developments.
Unchecked sand-filling and unapproved construction have disrupted ecosystems and increased the risk of flooding.
The Minister’s ultimatum sends a clear message to developers: follow the rules or face the consequences.
“This is about protecting our environment and ensuring that all developments comply with the law,” he reiterated.
For developers, the clock is ticking.
Failure to act within the one-month deadline could lead to the revocation of titles and the demolition of illegal structures.
The Federal Government is determined to make an example of those who flout the law.
“We cannot afford to let lawlessness prevail,” the Minister warned.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Lagos and its shoreline.
