FG Cancels Lagos-Calabar Highway Realignment Over Cable Concerns
The Federal Government of Nigeria has decided to cancel the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
This decision was announced by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, at the 3rd Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos. Umahi cited the presence of submarine cables along the coastline as the reason for the cancellation.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would not be released at this time, referring to Section 15(b) of the Freedom of Information Act to justify withholding certain information from the press and public.
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The Section Umahi cited is the exception of third-party information, which allows government institutions to deny journalists or the public access to information.
Meanwhile, the announcement comes after the telecommunication companies warned the government of the possibility of network outage in the country if the diversion is not reconsidered.
The government has since decided not to proceed with the diversion, which would affect connectivity to the internet in the country and lead to the demolition of ancestral homes in the Okun-Ajah community.
In a video posted by journalist Laila Johnson-Salami, members of the Okun-Ajah community were seen praising the Tinubu-led administration for its decision not to use the route.
Despite previous demolitions that affected the beachfront of private businesses, including LandMark, the government is now considering alternatives to ensure the continuation of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
