LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL ROAD: FG SAVES 2000 HOMES FROM DEMOLITION

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In order to make room for the continuing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, the Federal Government has redirected the ongoing demolition, which might have resulted in the demolition of up to 2000 homes in the Okun-Ajah Community in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

This was made clear in a letter of appreciation dated July 5th and signed by Chief Sikiru Olukosi, the Baale of Okun-Ajah, and Secretary Kamorudeen Balogun. In the letter, the community expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s commitment to take their issues into account and address them.

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The decision to reroute the coastal road project was just made, and the community expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, David Umahi.

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The letter reads in part: “The willingness of the Federal Government to consider and act upon the concerns of our community is profoundly appreciated and it demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving our cultural heritage.”

“Your decision has brought immense relief and delight to the people of Okun-Ajah Community, as our traditional home holds significant cultural and historical value to us. It is a place where our traditions and customs are upheld, and it serves as a symbol of our identity and unity”.

“By choosing to reroute the road to the swamp area of the community, you have not only safeguarded a crucial part of our heritage by saving thousands of our people from homelessness but also reinforced the trust and confidence we have in the Federal Government of Nigeria that has shown human emotions for her citizenry”.

The community had cried out to the Federal and Lagos State governments in May 2024, claiming that the 2,000 additional dwellings and the palace of its traditional ruler should not be included in a revised project route since they had been incorrectly designated for demolition.

The Okun-Ajah community was informed by the Federal Government on May 24 that their properties would not be razed and that it had heard their cries.

After meeting with leaders of the communities along the road between Eko Atlantic (Chainage Zero) and Eleko Interior (Chainage 47.4 km), Umahi stated that the construction surrounding the axis will adhere to the federal government’s original gazetted route.

The 700-kilometre stretch of road infrastructure, which will span eight years to complete, will gulp ₦15tn.

The pilot phase of the construction has started at the Eko Atlantic City and it will terminate at Lekki Deep Seaport, for which ₦1.06tn has already been released. It is a highway of 10 lanes, which will cost ₦4bn per kilometre, and would be the first of its kind in Africa, according to the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

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