The Federal Government has expanded the demolition corridor along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a move that could displace thousands of residents and affect hundreds of property owners as construction of the flagship project continues.
Under the new directive, an additional 15-metre setback will be cleared to accommodate service lanes and improved drainage infrastructure designed to enhance road safety, accessibility and flood control along the highway.
Industry experts estimate that between 1,700 and 2,700 buildings could be affected by the latest expansion, with about 10,800 residents likely to face displacement as demolition progresses.
The development has created fresh uncertainty for homeowners, landlords, developers and investors whose properties now fall within the expanded corridor.
The Federal Government, however, assured that owners of properties with valid legal entitlements would receive compensation in line with existing laws.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Bola Tinubu’s flagship infrastructure projects. The 700-kilometre road is expected to connect nine coastal states and boost transportation, trade, tourism and economic development across southern Nigeria.
Construction of the first phase began in March 2024, covering a 47.47-kilometre stretch from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island to Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki. The project is being executed by Hitech Construction Company Limited.
Despite the government’s optimism, professionals in the built environment have questioned why the proposed service lanes were not fully incorporated into the original engineering design before construction commenced.
According to the experts, introducing major design changes midway through construction could increase project costs, delay completion and lead to additional compensation claims.
Real estate professionals also warned that affected businesses and property owners could suffer losses beyond demolished buildings, including reduced property values, lost rental income and disrupted commercial activities.
They argued that financial compensation may not fully cover years of investment or future business opportunities lost as a result of the demolitions.
Planning experts maintained that service roads remain essential for separating local traffic from express traffic, improving safety and ensuring easy access to surrounding communities.
Some engineers said the service lanes should have formed part of the project’s initial blueprint to avoid the current controversy and social disruption.
The project has also come under scrutiny following recent flooding reported in communities adjoining sections of the highway.
While the Federal Ministry of Works attributed the flooding to blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse disposal and poor urban planning, some experts rejected the explanation.
They called for an independent review of the project’s engineering design, hydrological studies and environmental impact assessments to determine whether the highway contributed to changes in water flow.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu defended the project, insisting that the highway was not responsible for the flooding and supporting the construction of service roads as part of the long-term infrastructure plan.
Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to release engineering drawings, right-of-way maps and environmental assessment reports to improve transparency, address public concerns and strengthen confidence in the execution of the multi-billion-naira highway project.
