Lekki, Lagos – A government decision to reroute the multi-billion naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has sparked outrage after properties estimated to be worth billions of naira were demolished to pave the way for the original route.
The federal government says the change is necessary to avoid damaging submarine cables in the Okun Ajah area of Lagos State. Residents and social media users have expressed anger over the demolition of buildings and businesses, claiming a lack of transparency and proper planning.
One social media user, Odogwu Anioma, commented, “In any sane country, the minister responsible would have resigned after destroying properties due to a lack of proper planning.” [ paraphrase from Daily Trust article ]
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has defended the project, stating that there is no major change in alignment and that President Bola Tinubu is expected to officially launch the revised route soon.
The Lagos-Calabar highway is a major coastal route connecting the economic hubs of Lagos in the west and Calabar in the southeast. The project is expected to improve transportation links and boost economic activity in the region. However, the recent controversy surrounding the rerouting and demolitions has cast a shadow over the initiative.
It remains to be seen how the federal government will address the concerns of affected residents and regain public trust in the project.
