The Nigerian Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has appealed to those whose properties were demolished due to the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project to show understanding with the Bola Tinubu administration.
Umahi shared that his own properties have been demolished for various road projects in parts of the country.
He made these remarks on Sunday during a public engagement in Victoria Island, Lagos, with stakeholders and homeowners affected by the project.
The minister was accompanied by federal lawmakers inspecting infrastructure projects nationwide.
Umahi stated, “While the case is ongoing, we ask for your cooperation so that we can abide by whatever the court decides. But please, let no one take the law into their own hands.
“I appeal to you—if I or the ministry have caused you any distress, please accept our apology. The coastal highway must be on land, and in cases where there are obstacles like cables or refineries, we will construct a flyover.
“In Port Harcourt, my property was also affected by the East-West Road project and was completely demolished. In Aba, another of my properties was also involved.
“Please bear with me and understand that we have nothing to gain or hide.”
The minister also stated that final designs would be prepared, asserting that the shoreline belongs to the Federal Government. “The beachside is not private property; it belongs to the Federal Government,” he said.
He added that compensation would be provided to those whose properties were demolished.
The Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, with an estimated cost of around N15 trillion, is intended to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before reaching Cross River.
The project, which has led to the demolition of some buildings, has faced significant criticism from Nigerians who feel that the timing is inappropriate. However, Umahi insists that the project serves the best interests of Nigerians.