Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: A N15 Trillion Project Fuels Controversy as Critics Question Cost and Priorities.
The Nigerian government’s ambitious plan to construct the 700 km Lagos-Calabar coastal road, estimated to cost a staggering N15 trillion, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and criticism.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, kicked off the project by overseeing the demolition of structures along the proposed route, starting at Mani Chula Beach, Oniru Waterfront. He assured affected property owners of fair compensation, urging them to view the project as a vital national development.
However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others have lambasted the project as wasteful and lacking in transparency. They question the exorbitant cost and the absence of a competitive bidding process, alleging that the contract was awarded without due process.
Atiku’s sentiments were echoed by former Governor Peter Obi, who labeled the project a “misplaced priority.” Critics argue that the funds allocated to the project could be better utilized to address urgent national issues such as insecurity, poverty, healthcare, and education.
The project’s social impact, especially if it faces the fate of many abandoned projects in Nigeria, could be severe. Thousands of jobs are at risk, along with substantial investments and businesses. The ongoing demolition of properties along the route has already disrupted livelihoods and raised questions about the government’s priorities.
Meanwhile, Landmark Resort Beach, one of the properties affected by the demolition, has initiated a refund process for affected customers through its Landmark Citizen App. However, due to the high volume of requests, the refund process may experience delays.
As the controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project continues to escalate, it underscores broader issues of governance, transparency, and the prioritization of national development projects in Nigeria.
