In a significant move aimed at harmonising regulatory oversight, the Federal Government has established a joint technical committee to streamline the approval process for shoreline development projects in Lagos. The initiative follows a formal agreement between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), according to a statement published on the FMHUD’s website.
This decision was reached during a high-level meeting held on 30 April 2025 at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Present at the meeting were the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, alongside other senior officials from both institutions.
The newly formed committee will be tasked with creating a standardised regulatory structure for approving shoreline developments under federal jurisdiction in Lagos. It also aims to resolve overlapping responsibilities between the two agencies while promoting sustainable and orderly development along the Lagos coastline.
“The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration and establish a unified standard procedure for licensing developments on the Lagos shoreline,” the statement said.
It further stated, “To this end, both parties agreed to set up a joint technical committee to define standard procedures and streamline the process for licensing shoreline developments in Lagos.”
The committee is expected to include representatives from additional key stakeholders and will work toward establishing enforceable, long-term regulatory guidelines.
During the meeting, Arc. Dangiwa underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration as a solution to ongoing regulatory disputes and as a pathway to efficient development.
“Our operations intersect and are connected. We must act together to bring order by ensuring that our actions follow a clear regulatory framework that respects both the law and our respective institutional mandates,” he said.
The Minister clarified that the FMHUD is responsible for granting and administering land titles on federal shorelines and guiding national urban development policy. On the other hand, NIWA oversees inland waterway infrastructure, including the issuance of permits for water-related developments. He also acknowledged the constitutional role of the Lagos State Government in overseeing physical planning and development control within its territory.
NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, expressed support for the initiative, describing the committee’s formation as a “significant step” towards resolving longstanding disputes that have impeded shoreline development in the state.
“NIWA is committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Housing and other stakeholders to ensure that shoreline developments, especially in Lagos, are carried out in a safe, lawful, and environmentally responsible manner,” he said.
The statement concluded by noting that the creation of the committee builds upon previous dialogues between the FMHUD and NIWA. It also reflects the broader objectives of the current administration, which is focused on improving inter-agency coordination and ensuring sustainable infrastructure growth.