Adedokun Waliyu 
President Bola Tinubu has warned state governors that approvals already given for illegal setbacks on federal highways will be revoked by the Federal Government.
Tinubu issued the warning on Thursday during the official inauguration of the access road to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
This comes after the President had warned developers not to erect structures on the setbacks around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during the commissioning of phase 1 of the project on Saturday.
Tinubu emphasised the point again at the event on Thursday, where several state governors were present.
“I am glad the Deputy Governor of Lagos is here, take it that we will revoke all those approvals, even on the setbacks already given, and please note that we are very serious about this. No more planning approval for those unapproved islands being created illegally,” the President warned.
The distance a building must be from a road or property line, generally ranging from three metres to nine metres, is known as ‘setbacks’.
He also appealed to the governor to avoid giving planning approvals without collaborating with the Surveyor General of the Federation and the Ministry of Works.
“I have directed the Honourable Minister of Works to work with the Surveyor General of the Federation and all the state governors on these legacy projects route bypass to procure reasonable setbacks for land future expansion, building of infrastructures to enhance road architecture, and return on Investment.
“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the Surveyor General of the Federation and the Ministry of Works, please, I appeal to you,” Tinubu said.
Governors who were present at the event included those of Kaduna, Abia, Enugu, Borno, and the deputy governor of Lagos State.
