NASCO Town Appeals High Court Judgment Over 292 Hectares Of Lagos Land
NASCO Town Limited has appealed the judgment of the Lagos State High Court which nullified the Federal Government’s acquisition of about 292.428 hectares of land in Irede, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, insisting that the dispute is now before the Court of Appeal.
The company said it exercised its constitutional right of appeal following the judgment delivered in Suit No. ID/5709LM/2025, stressing that the High Court’s decision is not the final determination of the matter.
In a public notice issued after the judgment, NASCO Town urged residents, tenants, businesses, Free Trade Zone operators, investors, financial institutions and other stakeholders within the estate to remain calm, assuring them that it would pursue every lawful step to protect existing developments pending the outcome of the appeal.
The company also warned members of the public, including prospective buyers, developers, estate agents, surveyors, banks and investors, against purchasing, leasing, negotiating or carrying out any transaction involving the disputed land until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment.
According to NASCO, anyone dealing with parties other than the company over any portion of the 292.428-hectareproperty would be doing so at their own risk and subject to the final outcome of the appeal.
The company maintained that its title to the property is derived from the Federal Government’s acquisition and lease documents, including Federal Government Notice No. 1138 published in Official Gazette No. 44, Volume 64 of September 8, 1977, and Government Notice No. 1130 published in Official Gazette No. 44, Volume 63 of September 2, 1976.
NASCO advised members of the public to verify official government records and obtain independent legal advice before acting on competing claims relating to the land.
The company said it disagrees with the High Court’s decision, arguing that its appeal raises important legal issues relating to government acquisition, limitation of actions, compensation, public purpose, possession, excision and the legal effect of its long-standing title to the property.
It further stated that the disputed land is not vacant but already accommodates residential estates, road infrastructure, Free Trade Zone operations, Free Zone enterprises, transit harbour facilities, workers and other third-party investments.
NASCO warned that any speculative transaction before the appeal is determined could undermine investor confidence, disrupt industrial and commercial activities and negatively affect residents, businesses and financial institutions operating within the estate.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, stating that it would continue to pursue the matter through the judicial process while respecting the authority of the courts.