Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in Rivers Control Dispute Between FG, Lagos, Bayelsa, 36 States
Nasarawa AG Danladi Leads Legal Team, Argues Coastal Waters Belong to All Nigerians
From Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the consolidated suits filed by Lagos and Bayelsa States against the Attorney General of the Federation and 36 states over the control and ownership of rivers and interstate waterways across the country.
The apex court fixed May 22, 2026, for judgment after listening to arguments from all parties involved in the constitutional dispute.
Leading the legal representation for Nasarawa State, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Isaac Danladi, headed a team of seven lawyers, including Allu Justina (Director of Public Prosecutions), Alhassan Sabo (Director of Civil Litigation), E.U. Aliyu (Deputy Director), R.A. Umaru, F.A. Abubakar, and Zainab Nagogo.
Presenting Nasarawa State’s position, Danladi argued that coastal and interstate waters are part of the collective heritage of all Nigerians and therefore cannot be exclusively controlled by any individual state.
He further maintained that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly vests absolute authority over coastal and interstate waterways in the Federal Government for the benefit and common good of all citizens.
According to him, attempts by Lagos and Bayelsa States to assert exclusive control over such waterways contradict constitutional provisions and undermine national interest.
The suits, filed by Lagos State in A.G. Lagos State v. A.G. Federation & 36 Others and Bayelsa State in Attorney General Bayelsa v. Attorney General of the Federation, seek judicial interpretation regarding the constitutional authority over inland waterways, coastal waters, and related resources.
Following the adoption of final written addresses and oral arguments from counsel representing the parties, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter until May 22, 2026, when judgment will be delivered.
The outcome of the case is expected to have far-reaching implications for federal-state relations and the control of maritime and inland water resources in Nigeria.
