The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Works to review the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to mitigate potential negative impacts on coastal communities.
The resolution followed a motion regarding the need to review the proposed realignment and its implications for the people living along the coastline.
Lawmakers expressed concerns that the current trajectory of the highway could lead to the large-scale displacement of residents and the destruction of vital livelihoods, particularly for fishing communities that depend on the sea for their survival.
Impacts on coastal livelihoods and the environment
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a major infrastructure project intended to enhance connectivity and trade along Nigeria’s southern coastline, linking several states from Lagos to Cross River. The project is expected to create a continuous corridor for the movement of goods, potentially transforming the economic landscape of the participating southern states by opening up new markets and reducing transit times between major coastal hubs.
During the proceedings, members of the House argued that the realignment must be evaluated through a lens of human security and social welfare, rather than focusing solely on engineering requirements. They emphasised that the loss of access to fishing grounds and the potential demolition of homes could create a cycle of poverty for the affected populations.
Environmental concerns were also central to the motion. Lawmakers noted that the construction of a massive highway along the coast could disrupt sensitive maritime ecosystems, potentially affecting both local biodiversity and the long-term viability of the coastal environment.
The House is now pushing for a more inclusive approach, demanding that the Ministry of Works conducts extensive stakeholder engagement and thorough environmental and social impact assessments. This engagement should include local traditional rulers, community leaders, and environmental experts to provide a comprehensive view of the project’s footprint.
Community leaders in the proposed zones have previously raised issues regarding the lack of adequate compensation frameworks. The House’s intervention aims to ensure that any necessary relocations or land acquisitions are handled with transparency and fairness to prevent the marginalisation of coastal dwellers.
The Ministry of Works is expected to provide a detailed response to the House, outlining the specifics of the realignment and the measures being taken to protect the lives and livelihoods of the coastal inhabitants.
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