Lawyers and community stakeholders in Ondo State have accused the Federal Ministry of Works of marginalising coastal communities in the Ilaje Local Government Area through the alleged diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route.
The stakeholders claim the proposed route has been shifted inland, a move they argue excludes the very coastal settlements the project is intended to serve and connect. This perceived deviation has sparked concerns regarding the economic exclusion of one of the state’s most vital maritime hubs.
The disagreement follows recent developments regarding the alignment of the massive infrastructure project, which is designed to link various coastal states from Lagos to Calabar. According to stakeholders from Ondo State, the decision to move the highway away from the coastline in Ilaje threatens to deprive local communities of direct access to the economic benefits of the new transport corridor.
Impact on Ilaje coastal economy
The Ilaje Local Government Area serves as a major hub for fishing and maritime activities in Ondo State. Community leaders argue that a coastal alignment is essential for integrating their local economy into the national trade network. By moving the route inland, the Federal Ministry of Works may bypass the primary maritime beneficiaries of the project.
Legal representatives for the affected communities have pointed out that the diversion could lead to a loss of land value and reduced accessibility for coastal residents. They stated that the current trajectory fails to address the specific geographical needs of the Ilaje people, who depend heavily on sea-based commerce and coastal connectivity.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a flagship infrastructure programme of the current administration, aimed at stimulating economic growth along the Atlantic coastline. However, the current controversy presents a conflict between the central engineering plans and the specific interests of local administrative zones.
The Federal Ministry of Works has not yet issued a formal response to the specific allegations of route diversion in Ilaje. The stakeholders are demanding a transparent review of the project’s alignment and a consultative process that includes community leaders and technical experts to ensure the highway serves the intended coastal populations. The issue remains unresolved as the government prepares for further phases of the project’s construction.
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