In a bold move to curb rampant land racketeering and protect federal infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate revocation of all approvals and licenses for unauthorised islands and developments on federal road setbacks and infrastructure corridors in Lagos.
The announcement, made during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road on Thursday, June 5, 2025, underscores Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s “legacy projects” and ensuring coordinated urban planning.
Truth Live News learnt that Tinubu’s directive follows a May 20, 2025, SaharaReporters exposé revealing a massive land racketeering and money laundering scheme involving the Lagos State Government and certain federal officials.
The report prompted an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation, which is probing 14 companies for questionable land allocations in prime areas like Banana Island, Lekki, Osborne Foreshore, and Lagos Lagoon.
The EFCC, in a letter dated May 16, 2025, requested detailed records from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, including certified true copies of development permits, certificates of occupancy, and revenue-sharing agreements.
The commission is investigating allegations of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering under the EFCC Act 2004 and the Money Laundering Act 2022.
Among the companies under scrutiny are Walaris Nigeria Limited, allocated 572.735 hectares at Lagos Lagoon, and Pranav Contracting Nigeria Limited, which secured 254 hectares at Banana Island.
Others include Tafba Nigeria Limited (60.8 hectares), Meroni Nigeria Limited (25.33 hectares), and Gold Island (261.403 hectares), among others. The EFCC is seeking clarity on the legality of these allocations, including whether proper permits were issued and the terms of any joint ventures or revenue-sharing deals.
Tinubu, addressing state governors, stressed the need for collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and the Surveyor General to prevent unauthorised developments. “Don’t give planning approvals without consulting the federal government,” he urged, warning that such actions undermine infrastructure expansion and economic returns.
He specifically highlighted the need for “reasonable setbacks” to accommodate future road projects, noting that illegal islands and encroachments threaten urban planning integrity.
“I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos State is here,” Tinubu said, signaling his administration’s resolve. “We will revoke all approvals given on setbacks, and we are very serious about it.” The President’s directive aims to halt the proliferation of illegally created islands, which have sparked environmental and infrastructural concerns.
The EFCC’s investigation, led by Acting Director Ahmed Ghali, is a critical step toward unraveling what may be one of Nigeria’s largest land fraud schemes.
The agency has demanded detailed documentation on land sizes, purposes, and acquisition methods, as well as any transfers from government agencies. The probe’s outcome could have far-reaching implications for Lagos’s urban development and governance.
Tinubu’s decisive action has drawn mixed reactions. Some commend his commitment to transparency and infrastructure protection, while others question the timing, given Lagos’s complex political landscape.
As the EFCC digs deeper, Nigerians await answers on how such extensive land allocations went unchecked and what measures will prevent future violations. For now, Tinubu’s revocation order marks a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria’s economic hub.