Coastal Highway: 147 structures affected in Lagos, five to go — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that about 147 structures in Lagos are expected to be affected by the construction of a service lane along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, although only five of the buildings are currently earmarked for complete demolition.

The disclosure, made during a stakeholder engagement in Lagos on Sunday, offers fresh details on the potential property impact of a project that has generated considerable public interest over land acquisition, demolition and compensation.

Represented at the event by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu said the remaining 142 structures would only experience minimal impact from the construction.

The figure was presented by a representative of the AEC consortium, the engineering and construction group involved in the project, during the stakeholder meeting.

Only five structures face total demolition

The President’s disclosure appears to distinguish between properties that may be affected by construction activities and those requiring complete removal.

While 147 structures have been identified as potentially affected by the service lane, the Federal Government said only five would be subjected to full demolition.

The other 142 structures, according to the information presented at the meeting, are expected to experience varying degrees of minimal impact.

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The distinction is significant for property owners and residents along the proposed alignment, particularly amid concerns over the extent of demolition and displacement associated with the coastal highway project.

Tinubu assured owners whose properties are affected that the government would provide compensation where applicable.

He appealed for patience from those whose properties would be impacted, promising that compensation would be paid at the appropriate time.

The disclosure came during a broader stakeholder engagement convened by the Federal Government to build public support for major road infrastructure projects in Lagos and minimise disruptions during construction.

Tinubu said the engagement was intended to ensure that the projects were implemented smoothly and effectively, while allowing stakeholders to understand their expected impact.

The President urged Lagos residents and other stakeholders to support infrastructure projects that are properly designed and executed, stressing that some temporary sacrifices may be necessary to deliver long-term public benefits.

“For all of us to enjoy the full benefit of infrastructure, we have to shift a bit, so that it becomes an asset that will outlive all of us,” he said.

The statement comes as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway continues to attract attention over its alignment, construction costs, property acquisitions and potential impact on communities and businesses along the corridor.

Eko, Marine bridges also undergo rehabilitation

Beyond the coastal highway, Tinubu also flagged off rehabilitation works on the Eko and Marine bridges, alongside repairs to a flooded section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The President described Eko Bridge as one of the oldest bridges constructed after Nigeria gained independence, underscoring its importance to Lagos’ transportation network.

He said the Marine Bridge was equally strategic because of its role as a major access route to Lagos seaports.

The rehabilitation of the two bridges is expected to address structural and maintenance challenges affecting critical transport links within the Lagos metropolis.

The repair of the flooded portion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is also expected to ease traffic disruptions and improve the reliability of one of the country’s busiest road corridors.