Supreme Court Strikes Down Parts of NIWA Act, Limits FG's Control Over Waterside Lands

In a landmark ruling, Nigeria's Supreme Court has significantly curtailed the federal government's authority over lands bordering waterways, striking down key sections of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Act. The apex court's decision, which largely sided with Lagos State's challenge, declared these sections inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution. This ruling restrains the federal government from asserting control over such lands for purposes unrelated to navigation, a move that could have far-reaching implications for land use and development along the nation's extensive coastlines and river systems. The judgment, delivered by a seven-man panel, saw a lead opinion with some dissenting views on specific reliefs, underscoring the complexity of the legal arguments presented. Senior Advocates of Nigeria argued vigorously on behalf of Lagos State, asserting that the NIWA Act encroached upon the constitutional powers of the state and the legislative competence of the National Assembly. This victory for Lagos State reaffirms the principle of federalism and the protection of state-level autonomy against federal overreach, particularly concerning resource management and land ownership.