The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has sparked a war of words between Dave Umahi and Peter Obi, with the Minister of Works accusing the former presidential candidate of inciting Southeast people against the project.
But beyond the political posturing, the real question remains: is the project a misplaced priority or a necessary infrastructure development?
The construction of the 700-kilometer Lagos Calabar highway is one of the most contentious projects in recent times. It is targeted at connecting Lagos to nine other coastal states.
Misplaced priority
Critics, including Peter Obi, have described it as a misplaced priority by the government. But beyond the criticisms, the highway has pitted people across ethnic affiliations against each other.
The construction of the road, which involves the demolition of beaches and properties, is viewed through tribal and ethnic lenses.
Notable among the properties marked for demolition is the famous Landmark beach owned by Paul Onwuanibe. The Federal Government has however explained that only structures encroaching on the designated right-of-way would be demolished, primarily shanties and not the main Landmark Beach Resort buildings.
Other beaches to be affected include Mami Chula Beach, Breeze Beach Club, Moist Beach Club, G12 Oniru Beach, and Xchange Lagos.
Peter Obi fired the first salvo when he described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway as a misplaced priority. “Contrary to reason and necessity for compassion in public policy,” Mr. Obi said, “the federal government has commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project.”
He also argued that the government is embarking on a job-losing project during rampant unemployment.
Adequate compensation
But the Federal government, through the minister of works, Dave Umahi, countered that the affected business owners will be compensated. He also provided context and clarity to some touchy-feely issues: “The shoreline never belonged to the Landmark; the owner, Onwuanibe, sublet it to people illegally.”
He assured that all tenants within the Landmark premises will be compensated.
“Today, we are paying over N2bn in compensation just from channel 0 to channel 3”, the Minister said. “All tenants within the Landmark premises today have all been shortlisted and will get the alerts by 2:00 pm, the minister assured on Wednesday, May 2, 2024.
Umahi chided Peter Obi for inciting some southeast people who are not well-informed. “When you condemn people, you bring judgment upon yourself, which is what he has done. I think he is inciting some of the south-east people that are not well-informed,” the minister noted.
Unnecessary controversies
For discerning Nigerians, rather than spark unnecessary controversy over an issue that is sure to benefit the country, both Umahi and Obi could have exercised restraint and allowed facts to speak for themselves.
The project’s benefits, including improved connectivity and economic growth, should be the focus, rather than political point-scoring.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a complex project with both benefits and challenges.
As some have rightly pointed out, it is more important to focus on finding solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders, rather than perpetuating ethnic and political divisions.
Only then can a better future be built for all Nigerians.
Both Umahi and Obi, through measured dialogue and transparent communication, could contribute to a more constructive discourse that prioritizes the project’s long-term impact on Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic landscape.
