The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has expressed concern over complaints from real estate developers regarding a reported directive by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF) mandating the removal of 150-metre setbacks for estates located along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway corridor currently under development by the Federal Government.

In a statement by Festus Adebayo, Executive Director of HDAN, the organisation noted that while it fully supports the government’s infrastructure ambitions and the strategic importance of the coastal highway, policy and technical directives with far-reaching implications must be handled through inclusive and transparent engagement.

He called on the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation to immediately engage affected estate developers and industry stakeholders to clarify the rationale, scope, and implementation timeline of the directive.

Besides, he wants the office to provide clear technical documentation explaining the necessity of the setback adjustment, including environmental and engineering considerations.

“Introduce transitional arrangements for developments already approved or substantially completed, to prevent undue hardship and disputes,” he said

He urged the office of the surveyor-general to work collaboratively with planning authorities and developers to arrive at solutions that protect public interest while sustaining private sector confidence.

“We have received multiple complaints from estate developers who claim that the directive on the removal of 150-metre setbacks, without adequate consultation, poses significant risks to ongoing investments, financing arrangements, and long-term planning,” Adebayo said.

According to him, many of the affected estates were conceived and developed in compliance with existing planning approvals, surveys, and regulatory guidance at the time of commencement. Abrupt changes to setback requirements, the group warns, could result in avoidable losses, legal disputes, stalled projects, and reduced investor confidence in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

“Urban development thrives on certainty and predictability. Sudden policy shifts—especially those affecting land use and setbacks—should be preceded by stakeholder dialogue, technical justification, and clear transition frameworks,” Adebayo added.

HDAN emphasized that safety, environmental protection, and infrastructure integrity must remain paramount. However, it stressed that these objectives can be achieved without undermining legitimate private investments or creating uncertainty for developers who have acted in good faith. (Nigerian Tribune)

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