‘A Coastal Road Must Follow The Coast’: Itsekiri, Ilaje & Ijaw Groups Protest Route Change
By BLESSING AGWE ODUGO
Communities Raise Concerns Over Road Alignment
WARRI Reclamation Thrust and the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) have criticised the reported diversion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road away from the coastline after Lagos and Ogun states.
The groups argue that the change could undermine the project’s original purpose of opening up underserved coastal communities in Ondo, Delta and Bayelsa states. They have therefore urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the alignment and honour what they describe as the government’s commitment to coastal development.
Tsaye Mene, convener of Warri Reclamation Thrust and a former national executive of INYC, described the reported decision as an injustice to the Itsekiri, Ilaje and Ijaw communities.
According to Mene, the coastal communities contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth but continue to face inadequate road infrastructure, poverty and the effects of coastal erosion and sea incursion.
Dispute Over the Proposed Route
Mene alleged that the road was originally intended to follow the coastline through parts of Ondo, Delta and Bayelsa before the reported change redirected it inland through Edo State to connect with the East-West Road.
He argued that the revised route could prevent the project from delivering its expected benefits to communities that have experienced years of infrastructure deficits.
Furthermore, Mene rejected the suggestion that the reported change should be viewed primarily as an engineering decision. He maintained that planners must also consider the social and economic consequences for communities that stand to lose direct access to the proposed road.
For the groups, the concern goes beyond the route itself. They fear that bypassing coastal settlements could restrict opportunities for trade, industrial development, employment and improved access to public services.
Groups Demand Restoration of Original Alignment
The organisations have called on Tinubu to restore the coastal alignment they support, beginning at Araromi in Ondo State and passing through communities including Ugbonla, Awoye, Ilepete, Ikorigho, Obe-Rewoye and Odonla.
The proposed route, as outlined by Mene, would continue towards Ogheye, Orere, Escravos and the Escravos terminal before reaching Forcados, Warri and Burutu in Delta State. It would then extend towards the Bayelsa border and the Nembe area.
Mene insisted that the project should retain its coastal identity rather than become, in his words, a rebranded East-West Road rehabilitation scheme.
Infrastructure Equity at the Centre of the Dispute
Beyond the immediate alignment controversy, the groups have framed the issue as a question of fairness in national infrastructure planning. They argue that communities contributing to the country’s oil revenues should also benefit from transport links capable of stimulating local economic activity.
However, the final route, engineering requirements, project costs and environmental considerations remain important factors in assessing the competing positions. The groups’ objections also highlight the need for transparent communication about any changes to the original design and the communities likely to benefit.
They have consequently appealed to the President to review the reported diversion and ensure that the project delivers meaningful access and development opportunities to the coastal communities it was intended to serve.
