Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Expansion Sparks Demolition, Compensation Debate
FG’s Highway Expansion Raises Fresh Concerns
FRESH concerns have emerged over the Federal Government’s decision to expand the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway with additional service lanes, a move that could lead to the demolition of between 1,700 and 2,700 buildings and affect thousands of households along the project corridor.
Property owners, investors, urban planners and built-environment professionals have expressed mixed reactions, warning that while the additional lanes could improve long-term transportation efficiency, the proposed demolition exercise has raised questions about planning, compensation and project implementation.
Service Lanes Expected to Improve Accessibility
Minister of Works, David Umahi, said buildings located within a newly designated 15-metre setback would be removed to create service roads and drainage channels designed to improve traffic flow, accessibility and road safety.
According to government estimates, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains a strategic national infrastructure project intended to strengthen regional connectivity, promote tourism, facilitate trade and unlock economic opportunities across Nigeria’s southern coastline.
The 700-kilometre highway traverses nine coastal states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Experts Question Planning Process
Urban planners and engineers observed that service roads are ordinarily incorporated during the conceptual design stage of major highway projects, determining right-of-way acquisition, environmental assessments and compensation plans before construction begins.
They argued that if the service lanes formed part of the original design, the affected properties should already have been identified and acquired. However, if they represent a later design modification, the development could indicate shortcomings in the project’s initial planning and engineering process.
Professionals warned that design changes during construction often increase project costs, prolong completion timelines and create uncertainty for residents and investors.
Thousands Could Be Affected
Estate surveyors estimate that between 17,000 and 54,000 residents could ultimately be affected if all identified buildings are demolished.
Experts also cautioned that businesses along the corridor may lose commercial frontage, rental income and redevelopment opportunities, even where compensation is eventually paid.
Government Defends Project
The Federal Government maintained that the highway’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment complied with international standards and rejected claims that the road project caused recent flooding in parts of Lagos.
Umahi attributed flooding largely to ageing drainage infrastructure, indiscriminate refuse disposal, blocked canals and poor urban planning.
He announced plans for improved drainage systems, additional flood-control measures, surveillance technology, service roads and joint technical assessments with the Lagos State Government.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also defended the project, insisting that Lagos naturally experiences seasonal flooding and stressing the need for stronger environmental compliance and proper waste management.
