Property Owners Petition President Tinubu Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Demolitions
A coalition of property owners and stakeholders directly affected by the planned route of the monumental Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway have formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, voicing profound concerns regarding the issuance of demolition notices and the overarching framework for compensation and stakeholder engagement. This appeal marks a critical juncture in the project’s development, highlighting the complex interplay between national infrastructure ambitions and the rights of private citizens.
A Clash of Visions: National Development vs. Private Property Rights
The 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is heralded as a landmark infrastructure project designed to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape. Envisioned to connect the nation’s southwestern commercial hub to the oil-rich Niger Delta and southeastern regions, the highway promises to boost trade, tourism, and regional integration. However, the path to this modern transit corridor is fraught with tension, as the proposed alignment necessitates the demolition of numerous properties, including residential homes and business establishments that currently occupy the designated right-of-way.
In their petition to the President, the aggrieved property owners have articulated a sense of distress and uncertainty following the receipt of demolition notices. Their primary grievances center on what they perceive as an inadequate and potentially unfair compensation process, coupled with a lack of sufficient dialogue and transparency from the project’s implementing authorities. The petitioners are urging the federal government to intervene, seeking a more equitable resolution that acknowledges their property investments and provides a clear, just pathway for relocation and compensation.
The Core Issues Raised in the Petition
The formal appeal to the Presidency outlines several key issues that have escalated the situation. Foremost among these is the question of compensation valuation. Property owners are contesting the methods used to assess the value of their assets slated for demolition, fearing that the compensation offered may not reflect the current market value or the significant financial and emotional investment in their properties.
Furthermore, the petition highlights concerns about the timing and clarity of the demolition process. Stakeholders report a perceived rush in the execution timeline, leaving them with limited opportunity to make alternative arrangements or to fully understand the project’s impact on their livelihoods. The call for a more robust and transparent stakeholder engagement forum is a central pillar of their request, emphasizing the need for direct communication with the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant agencies to address these pressing matters before any irreversible actions are taken.
Broader Implications for National Infrastructure Projects
This dispute transcends the immediate concerns of the affected landowners, touching upon a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s development trajectory: balancing public good with private rights. Large-scale infrastructure projects, while crucial for long-term economic growth, often entail significant social displacement. The manner in which these displacements are managed can set a critical precedent for future projects, influencing public trust and investor confidence.
A transparent, fair, and empathetic approach to compensation and resettlement is not merely a legal or ethical obligation; it is a strategic imperative for sustainable development. The resolution of this petition will be closely watched by industry observers, potential investors, and communities across Nigeria who may find themselves in similar situations as the government continues its infrastructure drive. A collaborative solution that respects the rights of citizens while advancing national interests is essential for the project’s long-term success and social license to operate.
The Path Forward: Seeking a Balanced Resolution
As the situation develops, the ball lies in the court of the federal government. The property owners’ petition represents a plea for reconsideration and dialogue. Potential pathways to a resolution could involve an independent review of the compensation valuation process, the establishment of a clear and extended timeline for relocations, and the creation of a dedicated liaison committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Works, the project contractors, and the affected community.
The outcome of this appeal will significantly impact the timeline and public perception of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. A swift and just resolution will not only alleviate the immediate hardship faced by property owners but also reinforce the principles of equitable development, ensuring that the nation’s progress does not come at an undue cost to its citizens. The world is watching as Nigeria navigates this complex but crucial aspect of its infrastructure renaissance.
