The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue the construction of the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, despite ongoing legal challenges from landowners affected by the project.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, addressed these issues during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that the project has met all necessary legal and procedural requirements prior to its commencement.
The highway, which is projected to cost approximately N15.36 trillion and will feature concrete pavement, has faced significant public scrutiny since construction began in March 2024.
Concerns have been raised particularly regarding the procurement process, which has led to court actions from individuals claiming inadequate compensation for their properties.
Umahi acknowledged that 750 houses along the highway's route have been earmarked for demolition, but he defended the compensation amounts, stating that they comply with legal standards.
Affected property owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation, describing it as insufficient compared to their investments. One of the property owners and founder of Leisure Games, Olanrewaju Ojo, criticized his compensation of N1.3 million, stating it was equivalent to his weekly earnings, highlighting the financial strain the compensation has caused.
Experts and stakeholders have raised alarms about the project’s procurement process, suggesting it lacked transparency and did not follow proper bidding protocols. The government has allocated N4 billion per kilometer for the project, with contracts awarded for initial sections totalling N2.46 trillion.
Umahi has projected that the highway will be completed within eight years, although he acknowledged that delays could impact costs and timelines.
