FG assess properties along N1.06trillion coastal road project

The Federal Ministry of Works, in collaboration with the Lagos State N government, has taken steps to start the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project by assessing the properties falling within the Right of Ways (RoW). 

The initiation of this massive project, costing N1.06 trillion and spanning 700 kilometers, is expected to spur property development, enhance trade, and reduce commuting time as it traverses various states.

The first phase of the project, approved by the Federal government, will connect Lagos to eight other states and include spurs leading to Northern states, all constructed with concrete.

This road will link various federal roads, impacting connectivity from Lagos to different parts of the country, with the initial phase beginning in Lagos and featuring a 47.47-kilometer dual carriageway including a train track in the middle.

Hitech Construction Company Limited has been given the contract for the construction project that will link important roads and bridges in the country, like the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the Lekki Deep Sea Port Road, and the Ogoja-Ikom Road.

The construction is set to be finished within 36 months, with sections two and three being worked on simultaneously.

According to Works Minister Dave Umahi, the project will utilize concrete pavement construction, benefiting local cement, steel, and bitumen industries.

Various construction methods including deck on a pile, sand filling, and retaining walls will be employed to address erosion and environmental concerns, with a 10 to 12-kilometer distance from shorelines.

In preparation, the Lagos State government has started removing illegal structures and shanties to clear the coastal road alignment for the construction of the Highway.

Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Lagos State, said;

“the government has started the removal of all illegal structures and shanties built around Jakande Estate and Maiyegun, Lekki, which is geared towards reclaiming the coastal road alignment for the Lagos-Calabar Highway project of the Federal Government and the urban regeneration of the area.”

The government’s goal in working together for this project is to empower coastal communities in alignment with global standards.

They are asking property owners in identified structures to cooperate by relocating if needed for the project’s success.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development specified that the Right of Way (RoW) for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road spans the entire 103km stretch within Lagos State.

Affected property owners with compensation claims should submit necessary documents for documentation.

An official clarified that it is currently challenging to determine the exact number of property owners who will be impacted.

“The essence of calling on those who have compensation claims and documents is to make people around the coastal axis aware before officers’ visit for enumeration to determine the alignment of the project.

After this, the number of houses to be affected would be determined. Any property within the ROW will be affected based on the enumeration,”