Tinubu Orders Mass Revocation of Illegal Lagos Land Approvals

 By: Manoah kikekon 

Bola Tinubu 

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate cancellation of all unauthorized land approvals and licenses for illegal islands and developments encroaching on federal road setbacks and infrastructure corridors in Lagos. 

The announcement came during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road last Thursday.  

This move follows an exclusive SaharaReporters exposé on May 20, revealing a sprawling land racketeering and money laundering scheme involving Lagos State officials and federal actors. Tinubu warned state governors against granting approvals without federal input, stating, “I’ve directed the Minister of Works to collaborate with the Surveyor General and all governors.”

Emphasizing the need to protect critical infrastructure, the President insisted on maintaining setbacks for future expansion. “Don’t issue approvals without federal clearance. We will revoke all illegal permits consider this a final warning,” he declared, addressing Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat directly.  

SaharaReporters obtained an EFCC letter dated May 16, 2025, requesting detailed records from the Housing Ministry on suspicious land allocations to 14 companies in prime Lagos locations including Banana Island, Lekki, and Osborne Foreshore. The anti-graft agency is investigating “conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.”

The EFCC demanded Certified True Copies (CTCs) of:  Development permits and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O). Layout plans, equity structures, and revenue-sharing agreements. Full terms of land allocations and joint venture details  

Notable firms under scrutiny:  Walaris Nigeria Ltd – 572.7 hectares in Lagos Lagoon. Pranav Contracting – 254 hectares in Banana Island. Gold Island – 261.4 hectares in Banana Island. Grace Waters – 115 hectares in Lekki  

The probe, backed by the EFCC Act and Money Laundering laws, signals a major crackdown on real estate corruption.