Stakeholders in Nigeria’s built environment have said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has the potential to significantly boost national connectivity, strengthen regional development, and unlock economic opportunities across the country.
The position was made at the 2026 Femi Olomola Lecture held at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, themed “Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Balancing National Development, Environmental Concerns and Socio-Economic Opportunities.” The event was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (Lagos State Chapter) in collaboration with the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (Lagos State Branch).
Guest speaker, Prof. Peter Elias of the University of Lagos, said the coastal highway represents both major opportunities and significant risks.
He noted that the project could improve connectivity, support logistics, boost tourism, link coastal markets, and reduce regional isolation, describing it as a necessary investment for a country of Nigeria’s size and economic ambition.
However, he warned that the highway is being introduced into an already fragile coastal environment, stressing that urban expansion has degraded wetlands, forests, and drainage systems.
“Climate risks are rising. Coastal communities face the possibility of displacement, livelihood disruption and loss of access,” he said, cautioning that poor planning could worsen environmental degradation and social inequality.
Elias urged that the project be treated as a resilient coastal development corridor rather than just a road, calling for integration of environmental protection, community participation, and long-term climate planning.
He emphasised that infrastructure development must be pursued in a way that is both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible, adding that affected communities should be treated as stakeholders in value creation rather than obstacles.
According to him, Nigeria’s built environment professionals must ensure that the project is properly planned, monitored, and guided by professional standards to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Chairman of the lecture and Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, said the theme of the event was timely and relevant to Nigeria’s development challenges.
He noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway aligns with long-standing aspirations for national infrastructure growth, adding that his kingdom, which hosts the project’s starting point, has historically supported development initiatives.
While acknowledging that the project has led to the loss of some businesses and property within his domain, the monarch said such sacrifices were made in the interest of long-term national progress.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating political will and ensuring extensive stakeholder engagement in the execution of the project.
Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Lagos Chapter, Oladele Akindele, said the lecture series provides a platform for professional reflection on critical development issues.
He noted that the coastal highway project highlights both opportunities for transformation and challenges related to sustainability, governance, and equitable development.
National President of the institute, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, also described the project as a major infrastructure initiative with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s development trajectory, stressing the need for orderly and sustainable planning.
