President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm warning to real estate developers across Nigeria, cautioning them against engaging in unauthorized construction activities that flout existing regulations and threaten urban planning and public safety.
Speaking through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the President emphasized that his administration would no longer tolerate the proliferation of illegal structures, especially in key urban areas such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing town planning laws and ensuring that all development projects comply with environmental and safety standards.
President Tinubu noted that the rapid pace of urbanization in Nigeria necessitates strict adherence to building codes and land use regulations. “We must not allow lawlessness in the real estate sector. Unauthorized construction is a serious threat to orderly development and the safety of citizens,” he said.
The President’s remarks come in the wake of several building collapses and environmental degradation caused by unregulated construction practices across the country. These incidents have sparked widespread concern among urban planners, environmentalists, and civil society groups who have repeatedly called for stronger government oversight of the construction and housing sector.
In his directive, Tinubu called on federal and state regulatory agencies to intensify inspections of ongoing construction sites and take decisive action against those found violating approval protocols. He also charged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with the responsibility of monitoring compliance and supporting state governments to strengthen enforcement capacity.
He warned that developers who continue to build without appropriate permits or in defiance of planning laws will face legal consequences, including demolition of structures and possible prosecution. “The rule of law must prevail in our urban development process,” Tinubu asserted.
President Tinubu also encouraged residents and community stakeholders to report cases of unauthorized building projects to the appropriate authorities. He assured the public that his administration remains dedicated to fostering sustainable urban growth while protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
The President’s warning signals a renewed push by the federal government to curb illegal development practices that have plagued Nigerian cities for decades. With this directive, stakeholders in the real estate and construction industries are now on alert, as regulatory bodies are expected to implement stricter controls in the coming months.
Swifteradio.com
