President Tinubu
By Bolatito Mercy
The Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended all land allocations and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) on islands and lagoons, effective immediately. This suspension includes all previously approved, pending, and planned applications, which must now be resubmitted to the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) for proper coordination.
The suspension aims to prevent distortions to the Federal Government’s infrastructural master plan and ensure compliance with the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure Policy. This policy emphasizes the importance of standardized and harmonized survey activities nationwide. By suspending land allocations, the government seeks to ensure that all land use and development align with the nation’s master plans for sustainable growth and environmental management.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been directed to submit all past approvals for shoreline and lagoon projects to the Presidency through OSGOF and cease issuing new permits. This move is part of the government’s efforts to streamline land management and development processes.
Any land approvals granted outside the Presidency or OSGOF, including backdated or irregular titles, are subject to revocation. Furthermore, any developments without proper survey coordination or encroaching on rights-of-way will be demolished. This strict stance is aimed at enforcing compliance with the new regulations and preventing unauthorized development.
The suspension follows a presidential directive issued on July 30, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which placed a moratorium on shoreline, coastal road, island, lagoon, and other federal legacy infrastructure developments nationwide. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to managing land resources in a sustainable and coordinated manner.
In December 2024, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, warned developers along the Lagos shoreline to regularize their projects or face demolition. This warning was part of the government’s efforts to address issues related to unauthorized development and ensure compliance with existing regulations.
The suspension of land allocations on islands and lagoons is expected to have significant implications for developers, investors, and the general public. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in land management and development processes. By enforcing stricter regulations and ensuring compliance with national policies, the government aims to promote sustainable development and protect the environment.
