Tinubu Warns Governors: Illegal Setbacks Will Face Revocation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm warning to state governors, declaring that the Federal Government will revoke any approvals granted for illegal setbacks, particularly those that obstruct vital infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Speaking during a public event—where he was notably dressed in Igbo cultural attire, including an isiagu top and red cap—Tinubu stressed his administration’s commitment to enforcing urban planning regulations to promote public safety and sustainable development. His remarks reinforced a prior directive made on June 1, 2025, at the inauguration of the highway’s first phase, where he announced that all structures within 3 to 9 meters of the road would be demolished without compensation if found to be in violation.

“We’ll revoke approval for illegal setbacks,” Tinubu warned, signaling a new era of stricter enforcement.

Setbacks refer to the mandatory buffer zones between buildings and public roads, which are essential for allowing emergency access and minimizing risks from accidents or flooding. Despite their importance, Nigeria has long struggled with poor enforcement, leading to widespread encroachment and unplanned developments.

According to a 2023 report from mycivillinks.com, the lax enforcement of these planning laws has compromised both safety and infrastructure efficiency. Tinubu’s renewed policy direction is being backed by relevant agencies such as the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and he called on state governments to work closely with federal authorities to ensure full compliance.

The President specifically warned that unauthorized developments near key infrastructure, including projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port, pose a serious risk to national economic strategy and must be removed.

His choice of attire during the announcement, noted by Nija Eye in January 2025, continues a symbolic presidential tradition of showing cultural respect during engagements in the Southeast. While largely ceremonial, such gestures are sometimes viewed through the lens of regional politics and representation.

Tinubu wrapped up his remarks with a broader appeal for shared responsibility in protecting national assets, linking proper urban planning with his broader vision of technology transfer and economic empowerment. However, while the President’s intentions are clear, the real test will lie in implementation, as Nigeria continues to navigate the political and regulatory hurdles that often slow reform efforts.