Over Pres. TINUBU’s New Directive On IBEJU-LEKKI
This is not the best of time for major property players in Lagos State. Many are feeling confused and anxious. And this situation affects all property owners, even those with authentic documentation, especially those who have one or two properties around Ibeju Lekki axis.
Previously, real estate stakeholders expressed their frustration over what they perceived as government encroachment on their properties, despite having valid titles and approvals from the appropriate state agencies. The situation has now escalated beyond their expectations.
Affected real estate players are calling for adequate compensation before any demolition begin, citing the significant financial losses and emotional distress caused by government’s actions. Some are contemplating legal action, while others are urging the government to address compensation issues more fairly.
Several specific concerns have been raised: Lack of Compensation: Property owners are demanding fair compensation for properties marked for demolition, regardless of whether the properties are developed. They argue that land holds inherent value and should be compensated accordingly.
Demolition Without Compensation: Some owners have been shocked to find that demolitions are occurring before they receive any compensation, raising serious concerns about the process.
These issues have become even more pressing following a recent directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the commissioning of the Deep Sea Port Access Road in Ibeju-Lekki.
At the event, President Bola Tinubu issued a warning to developers whose lands have been impacted in various ways. He stated, “Let me, at this stage, warn all developers. The Federal Government will enforce the setbacks, if not for anything; it is for the interest of our nation.” This remark was made at the commissioning of the first 30 kilometers of the highway in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Setbacks refer to the distance a building must be from a road or property line, typically ranging from 3 to 9 meters. In Lagos, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) enforce these setbacks to ensure proper ventilation, privacy, safety, and urban order.
The president emphasized that building houses or other structures on setbacks near the highway would not be tolerated. He further warned that such structures would be demolished without compensation. “Development without approval will not be compensated (if demolished). We have gazetted and published the setbacks, and we are going to enforce it rigorously in every way possible,” he said.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Works Minister Dave Umahi, along with second-term governors such as Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), among others.
Interestingly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was notably absent during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the deep-seaport access road in the Epe and Ijebu-Ode areas of the state by President Tinubu. His seat was clearly labeled, but he did not attend, leaving Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat to sit behind the governor’s chair.
In his address, Tinubu directed comments toward the deputy governor rather than Sanwo-Olu. He also cautioned governors against issuing planning approvals for unauthorized islands and developments that encroach on designated road setbacks and maritime zones. “Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and the ministry of works on these roads,” he urged. “I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos State is here. Understand that we will revoke all approvals given on setbacks, and note that we are very serious about this. There will be no more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.”
Following the President’s speech, real estate players across the state began inquiring about how these developments might affect them. Many expressed uncertainty regarding whether their lands could be impacted by the proclamation. Some real estate investors believe that the president’s statements could discourage investment in the sector and may weaken it further. Those with legitimate land titles are particularly concerned about the new directives issued by the President.
