Nigerian govt moves to regulate Banana Island, Lekki, other waterfront properties

The Federal Government has called on property owners along shorelines and waterways to regularize their ownership by obtaining proper legal documentation.

The call comes in the wake of a landmark Supreme Court judgment in January 2024, which reaffirmed the Federal Government’s authority over waterfronts, shoreline areas, and waterway setbacks.

The Director of Press and Public Relations, Salisu Haiba, issued a statement on Wednesday on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, urging compliance with the law.

Quoting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the statement emphasized that waterfront property owners must ensure they have the necessary titles, licenses, and permits to avoid legal complications.

“The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and Lagos State Government have clearly defined areas of responsibility when it comes to administering landed properties, as provided by law,” Belgore said.

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He further revealed that Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has been actively engaging with stakeholders, particularly waterfront property owners in Lagos, to streamline the documentation process.

The Supreme Court ruling has cleared a long-standing ambiguity over jurisdiction, affirming that waterfront lands—including Banana Island, Osborne Phase I & II, Lekki Waterfront, and similar areas—fall under Federal Government control, as outlined in the Land Use Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Belgore stressed that this ruling should put an end to any confusion regarding ownership and administrative authority.

Waterfront property owners, dredgers, and boat operators have been urged to swiftly process their documentation through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, NIWA, and where necessary, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

The call for compliance comes amid recent LASBCA publications targeting Banana Island residents, prompting concerns about conflicting jurisdiction over land regulation. Belgore reassured affected residents that the Supreme Court ruling takes precedence and urged them to follow due process to avoid legal challenges.

With this directive, the government aims to eliminate disputes, create a transparent legal framework, and foster responsible land management along Nigeria’s waterways.

“This initiative is designed to bring clarity to property ownership, reduce disputes, and ensure that businesses can operate unhindered,” Belgore concluded.

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