By Chukwuma Umeorah
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate revocation of approvals and licenses granted for developments on federal road setbacks and rights-of-way, particularly along key infrastructure corridors across Nigeria.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 27-kilometre reinforced concrete access road to the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos yesterday, Tinubu also issued a stern warning to governors and town planning authorities to desist from issuing development approvals without first consulting the Federal Ministry of Works and the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation.
He directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to collaborate with governors to ensure compliance. “I have directed them to procure reasonable setbacks for future land expansion, the building of infrastructure to enhance road architecture and a return on investment.
“Our dear governors, let’s work together. Do not give planning approvals without consulting the relevant authorities, I appeal to you. We will revoke all those approvals already given on the setback. And please note that we are very serious about it. No more planning approvals for those inappropriate islands being created illegally,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony also featured the virtual unveiling of several federal infrastructure projects, including sections of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to use infrastructure as a catalyst for industrialisation, economic development and job creation. He described the access road and bridges as part of a broader transformational push since he took office, noting that over 30 kilometres of the Lagos-Calabar highway had already been completed.
He added that the government was progressing toward the construction of a new city within the Lekki corridor, anchored by the deep sea port and surrounding industrial zones.
Constructed with Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), the 27-kilometre access road was hailed as a significant milestone in linking Nigeria’s industrial nerve centre to critical facilities, including the Dangote Refinery, fertiliser plant and free trade zones.
Tinubu, who also inspected the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery, praised Aliko Dangote for his commitment to Nigeria, calling the project “a great, phenomenal, massive investment.”
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted the strategic importance of the project in advancing Nigeria’s maritime trade and blue economy objectives. He noted that the access road would ease congestion, reduce turnaround time and increase the competitiveness of Lagos ports.
Oyetola also acknowledged Tinubu’s recent approval for the first comprehensive modernisation of Nigerian ports in nearly 50 years. This includes increasing port draft to 60 metres, enabling the reception of larger vessels and enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub. According to him, these developments are expected to generate up to 10,000 jobs, while reinforcing the Renewed Hope Agenda as a practical reality, not just a campaign promise.
Dangote lauded President Tinubu for the bold policy reforms under his administration. He pointed to the Naira-for-Crude policy as a pivotal move that has enabled the Dangote Refinery to reduce fuel prices and ensure consistent availability. “This bold policy has enabled us at Dangote Petroleum Refinery to reduce product prices consistently and guarantee availability for the overall benefit of Nigerians,” he said. Addressing public concerns over fuel prices, he noted that petrol in Nigeria remains significantly cheaper than the West African average of over $1 or about N1,600 per litre. Dangote also voiced support for Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which promotes local production over imports.
He further announced that the main road leading into the refinery would be named after the President, in recognition of Tinubu’s enduring legacy. According to Dangote, the refinery and related investments would support job creation across several sectors, including plastics, construction, pharmaceuticals and packaging, helping to revive dormant filling stations and fuel supply chains across the country.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, during his speech, provided an expansive overview of Tinubu’s infrastructure footprint. He presented completed roads in Kano, Jigawa and Adamawa, as well as new flag-offs, including 378 kilometres of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and a 55-kilometre section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, among other key federal projects.