BUILDING LINES (FEDERAL TRUNK ROADS) ACT
Act · Transport
An Act prescribes minimum setback distances from federal trunk roads to prevent structures from being built too close. It targets property owners, developers, and urban planning authorities near these roads. This protects road safety and allows for future road expansions.
BUILDING LINES (FEDERAL TRUNK ROADS) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act prescribing minimum setback distances (building lines) from federal trunk roads within which no permanent structures may be erected, protecting road safety and future road expansion.
Who Does It Target?
Property owners and developers near federal trunk roads State urban planning authorities Federal Ministry of Works and Housing FERMA and road maintenance agencies
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Protect federal trunk roads from encroachment by buildings, preserve road safety by maintaining adequate clear zones, and allow future road widening without the cost of demolishing recently built structures.
Key Features
Prescribed Building Lines: Sets the minimum distance from the centre of federal trunk roads within which building is prohibited. Prohibition on Structures: No permanent structure may be erected within the building line without federal approval. Enforcement: Encroaching structures may be demolished at the owner's cost. Compensation: Owners of existing structures within the building line who must relocate may receive compensation.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All federal trunk roads Beneficiaries: Road users; road safety; future highway expansion Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Before building near a federal road, verify the applicable building line distance Apply to the Federal Ministry of Works for an exemption where necessary Comply with state planning authority requirements in addition to federal building lines Application method: Building line queries: Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
Important Terms
Building within the prescribed line without approval is illegal The owner bears the cost of demolishing non-compliant structures Building lines exist even where the road has not yet been widened
Official Resources
Website: https://www.worksandhousing.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Works and Housing
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Operates alongside the Federal Roads Authority Act, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act, the Urban and Regional Planning Act, and the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan. Aligns with international road safety standards on building setbacks and the WHO Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety.