The Traffic

Tinubu Orders Revocation of Illegal Lagos Land Approvals as Federal Probe Expands

By Achimi muktar 

President Bola Tinubu has dropped the hammer on what is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s biggest land racketeering scandals, ordering an immediate revocation of illegal land approvals and a halt to unauthorised development on federal road setbacks and infrastructure corridors across Lagos.

“No more approvals for those illegally created islands,” Tinubu declared during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road last Thursday.
“We will revoke all approvals already given on setbacks, and we are very serious about it.”

The move comes as federal investigators expose what appears to be a multi-billion naira land and money laundering scheme involving Lagos State officials, federal officials, and private companies, according to an exclusive May 20 report by SaharaReporters.

A letter obtained by TheTrafficNG reveals that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is deep into an investigation of questionable land allocations across Lagos’ most coveted areas — including Banana Island, Lekki, Osborne Foreshore, and the Lagos Lagoon.

In the letter dated May 16, 2025, signed by Acting EFCC Lagos Zonal Director Ahmed Ghali, the anti-graft agency requested Certified True Copies (CTCs) of all documents tied to land allocations granted to 14 companies suspected of participating in the racket.

The EFCC flagged the investigation as an “alleged case of conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering” — and its scope is staggering.

Amid the deepening scandal, Tinubu has also warned state governors to stop issuing land licenses and approvals without federal oversight.

“Governors, please don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the Surveyor General of the Federation and the Ministry of Works,” he urged during his speech.
“Let’s protect our legacy projects, ensure future road expansion, and safeguard return on investment.”

He further directed the Minister of Works to coordinate closely with the Surveyor General and all state governors to enforce the new federal order.

Documents show that the EFCC is scrutinising land deals involving some of Lagos’ biggest land developers and infrastructure firms. The agency is demanding:

✅ Full terms of revenue-sharing agreements
✅ Development Permits and Certificates of Occupancy
✅ Ownership and joint venture details
✅ Equity structures and sources of funds

Among the 14 companies listed are:

Walaris Nigeria Limited — 572.735 hectares at Lagos Lagoon

Tafba Nigeria Limited — 5 hectares + 55.8 hectares at Lagos Lagoon

Pranav Contracting Nigeria Limited — 254 hectares at Banana Island

Meroni Nigeria Limited — 25.33 hectares at Lagos Lagoon

Marlot Eagle Island — 100.060 hectares at Banana Island

Marina Del Ray — 68 hectares at Water Lagoon

Marathon Infrastructure West Africa Limited — 10.27 hectares at Osborn Foreshore Phase

Spa Dredging Company Limited — 80.997 hectares at Orange Island

Bull Construction Limited — 20 hectares at Onikoyi Waterfront

Banana Island Higherend Castle Limited — 96 hectares at Banana Island

Grace Waters — 115 hectares in Lekki

Grace Point — 100 hectares in Lekki

Gold Island — 261.403 hectares at Banana Island

The federal crackdown signals that President Tinubu’s administration is moving fast to reclaim control of federal land assets amid what appears to be widespread abuse and illegal profiteering.

“This is about protecting our infrastructure and ensuring our land policies serve the public—not a few corrupt insiders,” a senior administration source told TheTrafficNG.

Meanwhile, the EFCC investigation is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with more revelations likely as documents are reviewed and witnesses called.

With Lagos land values among the highest in Africa — and corruption often thriving in the shadows — this could become one of Nigeria’s biggest property scandals in years.

Will more companies be named in the EFCC probe?

Will Lagos officials face prosecution?

Will illegally developed projects be demolished?

For now, one thing is clear: the land wars in Lagos have just begun — and Tinubu is determined to fight back.