The Federal Government’s plan to demolish buildings located within a 15-metre setback of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to create service lanes has generated concern among residents, property owners, investors, and industry professionals.
The proposed demolition is expected to affect between 1,700 and 2,700 buildings along sections of the highway corridor, raising questions about compensation, project planning, and the impact on affected communities.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, explained that structures within the designated setback would be removed to allow for the construction of service roads and improved drainage systems aimed at enhancing traffic flow, accessibility, and flood control. He assured that eligible property owners would receive compensation in accordance with the law.
Stakeholders, however, remain divided over the decision. While transport and infrastructure experts agree that service lanes are essential for the long-term functionality and safety of the highway, some have questioned whether they formed part of the original project design or were introduced after construction had already begun.
According to industry estimates, about 700 buildings fall directly within the project’s right-of-way, while an additional 1,700 properties could be affected by the newly announced setback.
Real estate professionals warn that the demolitions could impact thousands of households, resulting in the loss of homes, business premises, rental income, and commercial opportunities. They also caution that uncertainty surrounding the project could discourage future investment along the corridor.
Experts argue that if the service lanes were included in the original engineering design, the required land should have been acquired before construction commenced. However, if the decision represents a design revision, it could point to shortcomings in the initial planning process and may increase project costs and timelines.
Despite the concerns, transport planners maintain that properly designed service roads will improve road safety, separate local traffic from high-speed vehicles, enhance access to surrounding communities, and support future commercial development along the route.
Planning professionals have called for greater transparency by urging the government to publish the approved engineering drawings, environmental impact assessments, and right-of-way plans to clarify whether the current demolitions reflect the original design or subsequent modifications.
Some experts also stressed the need for fair compensation, relocation support, and sufficient notice for affected property owners before demolition begins.
Meanwhile, Umahi defended the project during an inspection of flood-affected communities along the highway corridor, stating that the proposed service lanes and additional drainage infrastructure are part of broader measures to address persistent flooding in the area.
He rejected claims that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway caused recent flooding, attributing the problem instead to blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate refuse disposal, poor urban planning, and construction on flood-prone areas without adequate drainage.
The minister said the highway’s Environmental Impact Assessment complied with international standards and announced that the Federal Government would work with the Lagos State Government on a joint technical assessment to strengthen drainage infrastructure along the corridor.
Umahi also revealed plans to install surveillance cameras, weather-monitoring systems, parking facilities, tourism infrastructure, and other modern amenities as part of the long-term development of the coastal highway.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also dismissed claims that the highway caused flooding, describing them as misleading. He attributed flooding largely to heavy rainfall, blocked drainage channels, and indiscriminate waste disposal, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to improving environmental management and supporting the successful completion of the project.
