President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has announced plans to demolish approximately 700 houses. This will be done to prepare for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The revelation was made as part of an update on the ongoing infrastructure drive nationwide. They include interconnected projects referred to by the government as “legacy projects.”
David Umahi, Minister of Works, made this known while speaking on the scope and challenges of the initiative. He explained that sacrifices must be made in order to deliver a modern and comprehensive road network. According to him, these roads will connect all parts of the country and supports national development.
In his statement, the minister acknowledged the difficult reality that hundreds of properties will be affected. He, however, emphasized that it was a necessary step for progress.
Speaking further, he assured affected residents that due processes, including compensation and proper assessments, would be followed. He also highlighted the ambitious scale of the Lagos-Calabar project. He noted that it is just one of four major infrastructure efforts currently underway.
Giving more details about the third legacy project, Umahi said it will run from Calabar through Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and ultimately to Abuja. He said the fourth project will connect Abuja to Makurdi, Keffi, Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, and Gombe.
“The four legacy projects are all connected together, and no region is left aside,” he said. He explained the inclusive nature of the projects and the government’s commitment to balanced regional development.
Umahi also addressed the specific engineering and logistical challenges associated with these massive projects. The Minister mentioned areas like Badagry, where the third section of the Sokoto-Badagry corridor is set to begin.
He revealed that the terrain includes three kilometres of river, which presents significant construction difficulties and high costs.
“There are very big challenges,” he admitted. However, he assured that the ministry has proposed four engineering solutions to manage the situation effectively. Also, he indicated a readiness to innovate and adapt in the face of complex obstacles regarding the construction of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
