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OBASA’S CONTROVERSIAL SPEECH: ARE NON-INDIGENES AT RISK OF LOSING THEIR PROPERTIES IN LAGOS? BY DENNIS ISONG
OBASA’S CONTROVERSIAL SPEECH: ARE NON-INDIGENES AT RISK OF LOSING THEIR PROPERTIES IN LAGOS? BY DENNIS ISONG
Sahara Weekly Reports That In his acceptance speech, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the House of Assembly in the state, emphasized that Lagos is Yoruba Land.
He also expressed the commitment of the lawmakers to introduce legislation that safeguards the rights of the indigenes, even if it entails reversing existing laws.
Lagos, being the vibrant economic hub of Nigeria, attracts individuals from all corners of the country who are in pursuit of opportunities, growth, and an improved quality of life.
As someone who is not originally from Lagos, you may have concerns about the security of your property rights in this bustling metropolis.
However, it is vital to dispel any misconceptions and understand that being a non-indigene does not automatically imply that your property is at risk.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons why you need not worry about losing your property solely based on your non-indigene status in Lagos.
1) CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED PROPERTY RIGHTS:
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 43, guarantees the right to own and acquire property for every citizen, regardless of their place of birth or indigenous status.
The law recognizes and protects the property rights of all Nigerians, including non-indigenes residing in Lagos.
This constitutional provision acts as a shield, ensuring that your property is secure and cannot be arbitrarily confiscated or taken away from you.
2) NON-DISCRIMINATORY LEGAL FRAMEWORK:
Lagos State, like the rest of Nigeria, operates under a legal framework that upholds the principle of non-discrimination.
The laws governing property ownership and transactions do not differentiate between indigenes and non-indigenes.
The Lagos State Land Use Act applies uniformly to all residents, ensuring equal treatment and protection of property rights.
This legal framework provides a level playing field, allowing you to enjoy the same property rights and protections as Lagos indigenes.
3) LAND TITLE REGISTRATION:
A crucial step in securing your property rights in Lagos is to ensure proper land title registration.
The Lagos State government has implemented various measures to simplify the process and encourage property owners, irrespective of their indigene status, to register their land titles.
Through the Lagos State Land Bureau, you can obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Governor’s Consent, which serves as legal proof of ownership and provides additional protection against disputes or unlawful claims.
4) JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
Lagos boasts a robust judicial system that is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair resolution of disputes.
If you ever find yourself involved in a property-related conflict, you can seek redress through the courts.
The judicial system operates independently and impartially, ensuring that justice is served based on the merits of each case.
Non-indigenes have the same rights and access to the legal system as Lagos indigenes, providing a reliable avenue for resolving property disputes.
5) GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO INVESTOR PROTECTION:
Recognizing the importance of creating a conducive environment for investment, the Lagos State government is committed to protecting the rights of property owners, both indigenes and non-indigenes alike. The state government understands that sustained economic growth and development rely on the confidence and security of investors. To this end, various initiatives have been introduced to streamline property acquisition processes, promote transparency, and safeguard the interests of all residents.
6) EQUAL ACCESS TO PROPERTY OPPORTUNITIES:
Being a non-indigene in Lagos does not restrict your access to property opportunities. The real estate market in Lagos is open to everyone, regardless of their indigene status.
You have the same opportunities as Lagos indigenes to purchase, lease, or invest in properties across the city.
The market operates based on demand, supply, and fair competition, ensuring that your non-indigene status does not hinder your ability to acquire or benefit from property ownership.
7) ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION AND DEVELOPMENT:
Non-indigenes play a significant role in the economic development of Lagos. Many individuals from different parts of Nigeria contribute their skills, expertise, and investments to the city, stimulating growth and prosperity.
The Lagos State government recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining non-indigene residents, as their contributions fuel the economy and enhance the overall development of the state.
Therefore, the government is motivated to provide a conducive environment for non-indigenes to thrive and protect their property rights.
8) COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND DIVERSITY:
Lagos is renowned for its cultural diversity and harmonious coexistence among residents from various ethnic backgrounds.
Non-indigenes form an integral part of the social fabric of the city. Lagosians celebrate diversity and value the contributions of individuals from different regions.
The sense of community and inclusivity in Lagos ensures that non-indigenes are not marginalized but are embraced as part of the collective identity of the city.
This inclusivity extends to the protection of property rights, fostering a sense of belonging and security for all residents.
9)COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND POLICY FRAMEWORKS:
Lagos State adopts a collaborative governance approach that involves engaging with various stakeholders, including non-indigene residents, in the decision-making processes.
The state government recognizes the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives to develop comprehensive policies and frameworks that protect the rights and interests of all residents.
Through active participation and engagement, non-indigenes have the opportunity to contribute to shaping policies that safeguard property rights and promote inclusive growth in Lagos.
10) SOCIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS:
Lagos is equipped with social and legal support systems that assist residents, irrespective of their indigene status, in safeguarding their property rights.
Organizations, such as legal aid clinics and human rights advocacy groups, are available to provide guidance and assistance if you encounter any challenges regarding your property ownership.
These support systems work towards ensuring fairness, justice, and the protection of rights for all residents, reinforcing the notion that being a non-indigene does not put your property at risk but rather entitles you to legal support and protection.
Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041
At least 23 people were killed in a series of suspected suicide bombings, police in Nigeria’s northeastern city of Maiduguri said on Tuesday.
https://www.stanbicibtcbank.com/nigeriabank/personal/products-and-services/all-loans/stanbic-ibtc-mreif-home-loans
More than 100 other people were injured in the blasts that took place on Monday evening in the capital of Nigeria’s restive Borno state.
No group has claimed responsibility for the suspected attacks.
The deadly blasts come after a military post was attacked overnight Sunday to Monday, which authorities blamed on suspected Islamist militants.
This sad incident is coming barely two weeks after Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church specifically warned against attacks in some states. He mentioned these states while calling on security operatives to pay close attention to them.
These were his words:
“Another attack is coming up in these following states where the military must watch carefully and intelligently; Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Borno, Kwara and Kogi state. They want to do a deadly attack, it’s preventable but it depends on how they will handle it. I have told you about the danger coming up.”
@primateayodele
Unfortunately, some of our military agencies don’t believe spiritual intelligence can save the country from so much danger hence, their neglect of this prophetic warning but now, it has been fulfilled with the miliary losing credibility by the day while Primate Ayodele continues to gain momentum.
Likewise, At least 26 passengers and crew sustained varying degrees of injuries on Monday following an accident involving the Kaduna–Abuja train, according to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Opeifa explained that the train departed Rigasa in Kaduna at 7:15 a.m. and was approaching Asham station around 9:16 a.m. when a loud bang was heard after the power car and trailing locomotive collided with one of the passenger coaches.
In July 2025, Primate Ayodele asked nigerians to pray not to see train mishap on the Kaduna-Abuja route.
@primateayodele #nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 #fulfillment #train #abuja #primateayodele
“Let’s pray not to see train mishap in Abuja-Kaduna, Kaduna-Abuja route.”
This has also been fulfilled.
The project ends decades search for investors, boosts Nigeria’s blue economy
By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare
Nigeria’s maritime sector is set for a major transformation following a landmark agreement involving the world’s largest container shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which has secured a 45-year concession to build, manage and operate a modern container terminal at Snake Island Port in Lagos.
The project, to be developed in partnership with Nigerdock, marks one of the most significant private sector investments in Nigeria’s port infrastructure in recent decades and is expected to strengthen the country’s role as a major maritime gateway in West and Central Africa.
For Nigeria, the agreement brings to close decades of efforts to attract large-scale investors to develop Snake Island Port, a strategically located maritime asset in Lagos.
Long-standing concession history
Snake Island’s maritime facilities date back several decades. In 1992, the Federal Government granted a 99-year concession for the island’s port and industrial facilities to Nigerdock, a major maritime engineering and logistics company.
Nigerdock was later privatised and is currently operated by the Jagal Group owned by Nigerian industrialist Maher Jarmakani.
Over the years, the Island Container Terminal fell into disrepair, requiring major rehabilitation and modernization to meet modern global shipping standards.
The new partnership with MSC is expected to transform the port into a state-of-the-art container handling facility capable of attracting larger vessels and increasing Nigeria’s cargo throughput capacity.
Buhari administration approved the project.
The investment framework for the Snake Island development was approved in May 2023 by the Federal Executive Council under then President Muhammadu Buhari.
The approval authorised total private investment of approximately $974.1 million for the project under a Public-Private Partnership structure, including the 45-year concession period.
At the same time, the Federal Government also approved two other major maritime infrastructure projects:
• Development of the Ondo Multipurpose Port in Ilaje, Ondo State, with $1.48 billion in private investment and a 50-year concession.
• Expansion and development of the Burutu Sea Port in Delta State, involving $1.2 billion in private investment and a 40-year concession.
These projects form part of Nigeria’s broader effort to develop its blue economy and expand maritime trade capacity.
Construction partners
Engineering and construction of the Snake Island container terminal will be handled by:
• ITB Nigeria Limited
• DEME Group
ITB Nigeria Limited is part of the Chagoury Group and owned by the Chagoury family, while DEME Group is a globally recognised Belgian marine engineering and dredging company with extensive experience in port construction.
MSC profile
Founded in 1970 by Italian shipping entrepreneur Gianluigi Aponte and his wife Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, MSC has grown from a single cargo vessel into the largest container shipping company in the world.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the company operates in more than 155 countries and serves over 500 ports worldwide, with a fleet of roughly 900 container ships and over 200,000 employees globally.
The MSC Group also operates major logistics and maritime businesses including inland logistics through Medlog, cruise tourism through MSC Cruises, and port terminal operations across several continents.
According to Forbes, the estimated net worth of MSC founder Gianluigi Aponte is about $43.9 billion as of February 2026, placing him among the world’s richest shipping magnates. The company remains privately owned by the Aponte family, with both founders holding equal ownership stakes.
Management comments
Speaking on the development, MSC Group President Diego Aponte said the company is committed to strengthening its operations in Nigeria and across Africa.
“We are proud to expand our presence in Nigeria through this important infrastructure project. The Snake Island terminal will enhance service delivery and improve port efficiency for our customers and partners in the region,”
Chief Executive Officer of Nigerdock, Maher Jarmakani, described the agreement as a major milestone for the Nigerian maritime sector.
“We are delighted to partner with MSC in developing a world-class container terminal that will enhance Nigeria’s logistics capabilities and support economic growth,” he said.
Economic impact
Industry analysts say the project could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s maritime economy by expanding cargo handling capacity, reducing congestion at Lagos ports and attracting additional international shipping traffic.
The development is also expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across maritime operations, logistics, transport services and port-related commercial activities.
Infrastructure expansion
Beyond the port development, plans are also underway for Nigeria’s first underwater tunnel, linking Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island through Snake Island and connecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway with the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway corridor through Badagry.
The tunnel project is expected to significantly improve freight movement and road connectivity between Lagos ports and national transport networks.
Strategic milestone
With the entry of MSC into the Snake Island development, industry observers say Nigeria is taking a significant step toward modernizing its maritime infrastructure and positioning itself as a regional hub for global shipping and trade.
For a project that has waited for decades for major international investors, the Snake Island concession represents a turning point in Nigeria’s port development strategy and a strong signal of global confidence in the country’s maritime future.
By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare
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