The Federal Government has given developers along the Lagos shoreline a one-month ultimatum to regularize their projects or face revocation and demolition of their structures.
This directive was issued by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during an inspection visit to the Lagos Lagoon Estates and surrounding shoreline developments on Thursday.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, and other top officials, Dangiwa emphasized the need for orderly and law-abiding developments on the Lagos shoreline.
The minister disclosed that after discussions with the Lagos State Governor, both governments reached a consensus to enforce discipline and ensure all shoreline developments adhere to existing laws and regulations.
“The Federal Government is taking inventory of its assets and properties nationwide to ensure proper documentation and management,” Dangiwa stated.
During a boat tour of the Lagos Lagoon shoreline, Dangiwa, alongside officials of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, observed widespread irregularities. He described the findings as alarming, citing instances where developers had sand-filled areas and built structures without obtaining federal government titles or the necessary documentation.
“The Lagos shoreline is littered with unauthorized developments. We are collaborating with the Lagos State Government to correct these anomalies,” he said.
Dangiwa also reminded developers that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is responsible for issuing titles on shorelines under the Land (Title Vesting) Act 1975, while the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority grants permits for dredging. The Lagos State Government oversees physical planning on the shoreline.
“There is no room for haphazard developments on the Lagos Shoreline. The Federal Government will not tolerate these irregularities, which is why this ultimatum has been issued,” he added.
As part of his official visit, the minister also inspected other federal government projects in Lagos, including the Ogbogbo Housing Project in Ikorodu and the Ikorodu Low-Cost Housing sites.
The Federal Government’s action aims to ensure disciplined development, protect public assets, and uphold environmental and regulatory standards in Lagos State.
