Tinubu Warns Developers Against Unauthorized Construction, Urges Protection of National Infrastructure
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned property developers and landowners against unauthorized construction activities, particularly along critical federal infrastructure corridors.
Speaking during the commissioning of Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding national infrastructure and enforcing urban planning regulations.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway spans approximately 750 kilometers across eight southern states including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Designed as a six-lane carriageway within a 60-meter corridor, the highway aims to improve connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.
President Tinubu warned that illegal developments along such vital corridors threaten the integrity and safety of public infrastructure. He made it clear that the government will not tolerate breaches of federal right-of-way laws and will not provide compensation for structures built illegally.
“If you build illegally, you bear the consequences,” he said.
The President also called on traditional rulers, local government authorities, and developers to adhere strictly to urban development regulations and cooperate with federal agencies to protect national assets.
He declared that the era of indiscriminate and unauthorized development is over, stressing that national infrastructure is a collective heritage that must be preserved for all Nigerians.
The highway project initially faced skepticism due to environmental and engineering challenges, but these were overcome through strategic planning and innovative engineering solutions.
The completed phase now stands as a testament to visionary leadership and the potential of Nigerian engineering expertise.
Authorities have also issued ultimatums to developers along the Lagos shoreline to regularize their properties within a specified timeframe or face demolition orders.
This enforcement underscores the administration’s resolve to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with national standards and environmental safety protocols.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to facilitate trade, reduce travel time, and create jobs, contributing significantly to regional integration and economic development.
President Tinubu’s firm stance sends a clear message that protecting national infrastructure is paramount and that development must comply with the law to promote orderly urbanization and sustainable growth across Nigeria.
