Ondo coastal communities ask FG to probe Lagos-Calabar highway route change

The Ilaje Omuro Community Connect (IOCC) has called on the Federal Government to investigate the alleged diversion of the proposed Lagos-Calabar coastal highway route away from coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The group also urged the National Assembly and relevant anti-corruption agencies to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported change in the highway’s proposed alignment.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its lawyer and representative, Babatunde Omobone, IOCC demanded an independent engineering assessment, a public explanation of the decision and an audit of its financial implications.

The organisation, which said it has more than 1,000 members of Ilaje origin, challenged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to explain the technical reasons for rejecting the proposed Ilaje route.

“The issue at stake is not merely the construction of a road; it is a question of fairness, economic inclusion, environmental protection, and the right of the Ilaje people to benefit equitably from a major national development project,” the statement reads.

group seeks technical review of route

To support its demand for a technical review, IOCC cited the Igbokoda-Ugbonla road project undertaken by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and a 2010 Niger Delta Development Commission contract covering the Ugbonla-Awoye axis.

The group asked the Federal Ministry of Works to explain the geological, environmental, engineering or financial challenges that could make it impracticable for the highway to pass through Ilaje.

“If roads can be constructed within the Ilaje coastal environment, what specific engineering, geological, environmental, or financial considerations make the proposed coastal highway route impracticable?” the group asked.

IOCC called on the ministry to make public the feasibility studies, geotechnical assessments, environmental impact assessments and cost estimates for the proposed alignment and alternative routes.

It also proposed an independent review by engineering professionals to determine whether the technical and financial implications of the route decision had been adequately assessed.

While acknowledging that safety, environmental and economic considerations could justify changes to highway alignments, the group insisted that the government must publicly explain any decision to exclude Ilaje.

It questioned why the proposed highway could serve coastal areas in Lagos and Ogun states but bypass the proposed corridor in Ondo State without a detailed explanation.

group cites coastal challenges, seeks accountability

The group said residents of the Ilaje coastline continued to contend with coastal erosion, seawater incursion, poor transport infrastructure and limited economic opportunities.

It identified Abereke, Orioke, Magbehinwa, Idiogba, Mese, Ayetoro and Awoye Odofado as communities affected by environmental degradation, which it said threatened homes, fishing grounds, livelihoods and cultural heritage.

According to IOCC, excluding the area from the highway project could constrain fisheries, agriculture, tourism, trade and logistics by limiting access to markets and discouraging investment.

The group called for a comparative assessment of the proposed and alternative routes, covering construction costs, environmental effects, projected economic benefits and value for public money.

It also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate any credible evidence of corruption, abuse of office or improper influence connected with the route decision or related contracts.

“This is a call for accountability, not a declaration of guilt. Any allegation of wrongdoing should be investigated fairly, and any findings should be based on verifiable evidence,” the group said.

IOCC further urged the Federal Government to consult affected residents, traditional institutions and civil society organisations before finalising the highway alignment.

The group said it supported national infrastructure development but wanted the government to give Ilaje communities fair consideration in decisions affecting the region.

“The Ilaje people are Nigerians. Ondo State is an integral part of the Nigerian federation. The coastal communities of Ilaje deserve to be considered fairly in decisions concerning a major national coastal highway,” the statement reads.