The Minister of Public Works, David Umahi, has shed more light on the ongoing developments along the Lekki-Victoria Island coastal route, allaying concerns over property management, federal government jurisdiction and the Eko-Atlantic project.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection of the project, Umahi highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to protect critical infrastructure and properties on the Lekki-Victoria Island axis from ocean waves and flooding.
“Over the years, people in this area have never had peace of mind due to the recurring ocean waves. “The Eko-Atlantic project, initiated during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, has successfully turned this potential disaster into an opportunity to protect lives and property,” he said.
Umahi further clarified the allegations of tampering with Landmark’s properties, noting that the area in question falls under federal jurisdiction based on a Supreme Court ruling.
According to him, Landmark is illegally converting federal waterfront properties for private use, stating, “The waterfront legally belongs to the federal government as defined by law.”
The minister explained the design decisions for the coastal road, including separating the two carriageways to preserve valuable property. “This adjustment was made in the best interests of the economy and property owners, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to fair solutions,” he added.
Despite legal provisions against shanty compensation, Umahi disclosed that President Tinubu had ordered payments to alleviate the suffering of displaced persons.
“The assessment was conducted in accordance with federal government rates and payments were made directly to the owners,” he noted.
The Minister commended the Eko-Atlantic project for its dual purpose of protecting property and creating wealth, highlighting its critical role in protecting Lekki and Victoria Island from flooding.
Umahi urged the public to focus on the wider benefits of the project, stressing its importance in protecting lives and property and improving Lagos’ infrastructure.
The Minister also provided a detailed explanation of the ongoing coastal road diversion in the Okun Ajah area, highlighting the complexity of the project and its wider national benefits.
He explained that the diversion was necessary due to problems at mile 13, where the initial diversion helped save several properties.
However, at kilometer 16, the project encountered significant infrastructure, including Africa and MTN submarine cables, which are critical to telecommunications.
“We held extensive meetings with MTN and two Africans for over a month, examining the route and their cables. It became clear that the cost of sailing along the original coastline would be prohibitive and would encroach on these vital installations. Following a directive from the President, Bola Tinubu, we had to go back to the drawing board and reroute the highway,” he said.
Umahi explained that the highway was diverted inland from kilometer 16, through kilometer 18, where no properties were affected, before remerging with the coastline at kilometer 24. He said the project will eventually extend to kilometer 47.7 at Eleko, marking the end of section one.
He also dismissed litigation concerns from some stakeholders, stating: “The land is being acquired under the Land Use Act due to great public interest. We have legal support, including five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), to resolve any disputes.”
Umahi further elaborated on the allegations made by a local stakeholder, describing them as baseless.
“We prioritize Nigeria’s interests over personal agendas. This project will bring development and prosperity not only to the region, but to the entire country,” he stressed.
Highlighting the significant progress on the project, the minister noted that over 10 kilometers of section two, which passes through the Dangote refinery and Lekki deep sea port, has already been filled with sand.
“The ministry wants to complete and put into use the first twenty kilometers by May 29, after which more phases will follow.
“We are integrating infrastructure such as train lines, substations and security points to increase the usability of the project. This corridor is being prepared for a long-term return on investment,” he explained.
Umahi assured that government remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure across the country, with continued efforts to commission multiple projects across the country by April.
He stated that the government will not return the lake because it poses risks of pollution and is within the 800-foot boundary of federal property. Instead, he unveiled plans to use some of the land for community benefits, including a gas station as part of an ongoing project.
“We are revising the contract to include these and other necessary adjustments,” he explained.
To address height differences between the road and adjacent properties, Umahi announced the construction of reinforced concrete retaining walls. “This is essential to protect their property and ensure the sustainability of the road,” he added.
In addition, the project includes planting trees along the highway to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Umahi also highlighted security improvements along the 750 kilometer stretch. “Solar-powered CCTV cameras will be installed every five to fifteen kilometers, with security posts at intervals for quick response. The aim is a response time of 10 minutes. The system will replicate the safety framework of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos,” he said.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, added that the coastal road project is progressing ahead of schedule at 25 percent completion.
“The sand replenishment has progressed significantly and covers several stretches, and work is underway on the paving. By mid-next year, we expect to complete approximately 30 kilometers of the project,” said Kesha, noting challenges such as encountering waste dumps during excavation.
Managing Director of Hi-Tech Construction Company Limited, Dany Abboud, confirmed the minister’s story, noting that the area was heavily laden with waste. “Everything was documented with footage, photos and checks from the ministry,” Abboud said.
He described ongoing work, including: Sand fill that is approximately 85 percent complete in key areas; concrete works alternating works to ensure proper curing, with three week intervals to strengthen the paving and the use of durable concrete poles for street lighting. Installation to withstand the corrosive coastal environment.
Abboud confirmed that the project meets sustainability and safety standards and expressed confidence in its timely delivery.