Tempers ran high on Sunday when the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, held a public engagement in Victoria Island, Lagos, with stakeholders and homeowners affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.
The minister was accompanied by federal lawmakers inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
When Umahi opened the floor for questions, a woman who identified herself as a campaigner for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election stated that the coastal road had been diverted into her estate in Lagos, leading to the demolition of all her houses, despite her holding the necessary certificates and authorisations from the government.
The minister accused the woman of mobilising protests to obstruct the project, an allegation which the Pro-Tinubu supporter denied.
“You have been doing a lot to stop the project. Listen to me: if I encounter further disturbances from you, there will be consequences. We are abiding by the law. You are free to go to court if you believe your rights are being infringed,” Umahi responded.
When the woman continued speaking after the microphone was taken from her, the minister said, “Security, please escort her out.”
“I’m a matron in the Tinubu campaign organisation, which has over 5,000 members,” the woman retorted, visibly agitated.
Umahi further explained that his own properties had also been demolished for road projects in other parts of the country.
He said, “While this case is ongoing, we ask for your cooperation, and whatever the court decides, we will respect. But please, let no one take the law into their own hands.
“I appeal to you—if you are upset with me or the ministry, please accept our apologies. The coastal highway must be on land, and where there are obstacles such as cables or refineries, we will construct flyovers.
“In Port Harcourt, one of my properties was affected by the construction of the East-West Road and was completely demolished. In Aba, I also had property involved.
“Please bear with me and understand that we have nothing to gain or conceal.”
The minister stated that final designs would be produced, emphasising that the shoreline belongs to the Federal Government. “The beachside is not private property; it belongs to the Federal Government,” he said.
The Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, estimated to cost around N15 trillion, is planned 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 several buildings, has attracted widespread criticism from Nigerians who feel the timing is unsuitable. However, Umahi maintains that the project is in the best interests of Nigerians.