The Federal Government has announced new restrictions on shoreline approvals and extensions in Banana Island, limiting them to pre-approved boundaries.
This decision share on Friday via the official website of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Key Details of the Announcement
The ministry explained that the decision followed recommendations from a tripartite inter-ministerial technical committee. This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF).
The new framework introduces stricter regulations for shoreline approvals and application. These measures aim to:
- Prevent encroachment beyond approved boundaries.
- Ensure compliance with statutory fees.
- Protect navigational channels.
Why It Matters
Banana Island has been classified as a high-sensitivity area. As such, no new approvals or extensions will be allowed beyond boundaries jointly determined by FMHUD, NIWA, and OSGoF. Strict compliance with these limits is mandatory.
The ministry also state that all shoreline grant—whether new, active, dormant, or pending— be review. Any past approvals without proof of statutory fee payments have been revoked, in line with previous Presidential directives.
These measures are design to ensure that shoreline developments are transparent, compliant, and properly managed.
New Application Process and Regulations
Under the updated framework, the process for shoreline applications will include the following steps:
- Letter of Intent: Applicants must begin by submitting a Letter of Intent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
- Joint Inspection: A combined inspection will be conducted by FMHUD and NIWA.
- Survey Validation: Tentative allocations will be based on survey data validated by FMHUD, NIWA, and OSGoF.
Each stage of the approval process expects to follow a 14-day timeline. Temporary offer letters will now include expiry clauses, and non-compliance by officials or applicants will result in penalties.
The new framework replaces all previous guidelines and circulars related to shoreline reclamation and allocations.
Broader Goals
According to the ministry, these reforms aim to improve coordination, transparency, and sustainable management of Nigeria’s inland waterways and shorelines.
